Samsung typically announces new Galaxy phones in January and August

Samsung releases new Galaxy S models in early January and new Galaxy Z foldables in early August. The company has held to this schedule for the past several years, though the exact date shifts by a week or two depending on the year. Samsung usually ships phones within two to four weeks of announcement.

The Galaxy S25 series was announced in January 2025. The next major Galaxy S release will likely come in January 2026. If you are looking for a foldable phone, Samsung typically shows the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip in August, with the next generation expected in August 2025.

Samsung does not announce release dates far in advance. You will see the date confirmed only when the company sends out official invitations to its launch event, usually one to two weeks before the event itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung announces Galaxy S phones every January and Galaxy Z foldables every August, though exact dates vary slightly year to year.
  • New phones typically ship two to four weeks after the announcement event, not on announcement day.
  • Pre-orders usually open immediately after the announcement and ship before general retail availability.
  • Samsung does not publish a calendar of future launch dates; you learn the date when invitations go out, typically one to two weeks before the event.

How to find out when the announcement is happening

Samsung posts the launch event date on its official newsroom and on the main Samsung website, usually in the week before the event. You can also sign up for Samsung's email newsletter, which will notify you when a new event is scheduled.

Tech news sites like The Verge, CNET, and Android Authority publish the date as soon as Samsung confirms it. If you follow Samsung on social media, the company posts the announcement date there as well.

The difference between announcement date and release date

The announcement date is when Samsung shows the phone to the public and reveals the price and specs. This is not when you can buy it. Pre-orders usually open the same day or the next day, and the phone ships one to four weeks later depending on demand and your location.

If you pre-order on announcement day, you will typically receive the phone before it becomes available in stores. General retail availability usually comes a week or two after pre-orders ship.

What to expect from the Galaxy S25 and beyond

The Galaxy S25 launched in January 2025 with incremental upgrades to the camera, processor, and battery compared to the S24. Samsung's pattern is to make meaningful changes every two to three years and smaller updates in between years.

The Galaxy S26, expected in January 2026, will likely follow the same pattern. Major design changes or new features are rare in consecutive years. If you own a Galaxy S24 or S23, the S25 may not offer enough difference to justify upgrading immediately.

Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip release timing

Samsung's foldable phones launch in August each year. The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 came out in August 2024. The next generation is expected in August 2025. Foldables are more expensive than standard Galaxy S phones and see smaller year-to-year improvements.

If you are considering a foldable, check whether the current generation still meets your needs. Foldables are less mature technology than flat phones, so waiting for the next generation sometimes makes sense if the current one has a known issue you want to avoid.

Where to pre-order and what to watch for

Pre-orders open on Samsung's official website and through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You can also pre-order through retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Prices are the same across all channels, but carrier deals vary — some offer trade-in bonuses or bill credits that others do not.

Compare the trade-in value your current phone will bring at each retailer before you pre-order. A phone worth $300 at one carrier might be worth $250 at another. Also check whether your carrier is offering any bill credits or monthly discounts for new phones, as these are not always advertised prominently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out the Galaxy release date before Samsung announces it?

No. Samsung does not publish a calendar of future events. Leaks from supply chain sources sometimes predict the date a few weeks early, but these are not official. The only reliable source is Samsung's own announcement, which comes one to two weeks before the event.

Do all Galaxy phones release on the same day?

No. Different models and colors sometimes ship on different dates. The base model usually ships first, followed by higher storage tiers and special colors. Your carrier or retailer will tell you the exact ship date when you pre-order.

Is it worth waiting for the next Galaxy if I need a phone now?

If the current Galaxy S model meets your needs, buying now is reasonable. Phone technology improves slowly year to year. Waiting three to six months for a slightly better camera or processor is a personal choice, but the difference is usually small enough that a current-generation phone is still a solid choice.

Will the Galaxy S25 price drop when the S26 launches?

Yes, typically by $100 to $200. Samsung usually discounts the previous generation when a new one launches. If you do not need the latest model, waiting for the price drop on the S24 or S25 can save you money.

How long do Galaxy phones get software updates?

Samsung currently promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates for Galaxy S phones. Foldables receive the same support. This means a Galaxy S25 will receive updates through 2029 and security patches through 2030.