Apple is gearing up to pull back the curtain on the iPhone 17 series on September 9. So far, countless rumors have circulated about the upcoming iPhone models, but the biggest buzz revolves around a redesigned back panel and camera layout. While Apple has yet to officially reveal the new design, Samsung designers may already be taking notes.
Leaker Sonny Dickson has shared a photo of dummy phones on X, suggesting they belong to Samsung’s next-generation flagship lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch in January or February.
The photo allegedly depicts Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra models, assuming Samsung will drop the Plus variant from the lineup next year to replace it with the Edge model. The two models on the side show little design difference compared to the Galaxy S25, except for a small camera bump seemingly borrowed from the Galaxy Z Fold7.
However, the model that appears in the middle (it’s more likely to be the Galaxy S26 Edge) has a pretty interesting design, and is instantly reminiscent of the iPhone 17 series redesigned back panel.
Unlike the Galaxy S25 Edge, which features a vertically oriented camera island running from top to bottom, the new model boasts a camera island that spans the width of the device, occupying a substantial portion of the upper rear panel. This design language is what we’ve previously seen in leaked iPhone 17 series images, and it’s the most prominent design characteristic of upcoming iPhone models.
Additionally, the circular cutout on the back of all three models suggests that Samsung may be planning to incorporate Qi 2 magnets into the Galaxy S26 series. The company began surveying Galaxy owners in July to find out whether they would prefer magnets integrated into the phone.
Google brought Qi2 wireless charging to its Pixel 10 devices, and Samsung might follow the same path with the Galaxy S26 lineup.
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