While Samsung is still months away from officially unveiling the Galaxy S26 family, the design story is already taking shape thanks to a new leak. The image, shared by reputable source Sonny Dickson, shows dummy molds for the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. These prototypes give us a very good idea of what the physical identity of Samsung’s 2026 flagships will look like—and how closely it may align with Apple’s just announced iPhone 17 Pro series.
From left to right, the molds showcase three distinct approaches to camera layout. The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Ultra both refine Samsung’s minimalist vertical camera stack, a design that Samsung has iterated on since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Three large lenses sit vertically in line, with no surrounding housing, producing a clean and integrated look. The approach emphasizes restraint, keeping the back surface as close to flat as possible, and making each lens appear as a precision-machined optical element embedded into the chassis. This echoes Samsung’s ongoing pursuit of an “industrial purity” aesthetic—functional but reduced to its essentials.
The most surprising departure comes with the Galaxy S26 Edge. Unlike its siblings, the Edge features a rectangular camera island that hosts two large lenses and an additional sensor. This shape is a striking break from the rounded, floating-lens language Samsung has cultivated. Instead, it moves closer to Apple’s rumored design for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Reports indicate Apple will adopt a similar rectangular, raised island in 2026, creating a broader visual anchor on the rear panel. For Samsung to anticipate this shift signals how both companies may converge on the same visual solution to accommodate larger sensors, improved stabilization systems, and expanded optics without unbalancing the overall device proportions.
Design parallels with Apple aren’t accidental—they’re often driven by the same technical constraints. Larger imaging systems demand more surface area, and rectangular camera islands offer engineers greater flexibility to reposition modules while designers get the chance to define a new “signature shape.” The S26 Edge mold strongly suggests Samsung is preparing its mid-tier flagship to embody this philosophy, setting the stage for a year when Samsung and Apple’s high-end devices could appear more aligned than ever before.
via Sonny Dickson
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