Samsung has cancelled Galaxy S26 Edge development, abandoning its ultra-thin smartphone push after weak 2025 sales, according to recent reports. The decision follows disappointing performance from both Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge and Apple's iPhone Air, according to Korea Economic Daily reports.
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Consumers rejected the thinness trade-offs throughout 2025. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge featured a 3,900mAh battery that struggled with all-day use and omitted telephoto cameras to maintain its slim profile. Apple's iPhone Air faced similar criticism for battery and camera limitations compared to standard iPhone models.
Apple scaled back iPhone Air production by nearly one million units earlier this year, according to reports. The Cupertino company reportedly won't launch an iPhone Air successor in 2026, removing competitive pressure for Samsung to continue ultra-thin development.
Samsung initially planned to replace the Galaxy S26+ with an Edge variant next year. Those plans shifted to a wait-and-watch strategy before complete cancellation this month. The company will now focus on traditional Galaxy S26 models with balanced hardware rather than extreme form factors.
Industry analysts note Chinese manufacturers already use silicon-carbon battery technology to fit larger capacities into thinner designs. Samsung hasn't adopted this approach, making ultra-thin phones require significant compromises without the technology.
Market data shows buyers prioritize battery longevity, camera versatility, and thermal management over minimal thickness. Early attention for ultra-thin designs didn't translate into sustained sales throughout 2025 for either Samsung or Apple.
The cancellation signals a broader industry shift away from sacrificing usability for design extremes. Both companies will reportedly pause ultra-slim flagship development until consumer preferences change or new battery technologies emerge.
Samsung's decision affects its 2026 lineup strategy but leaves the core Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models unaffected. The company continues developing its Exynos 2600 processor on 2nm technology for next year's flagship devices.
