Galaxy S26 Might Follow Apple’s Path with New Exynos Connectivity Chip and Delayed Launch

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is shaping up to be one of the company’s most strategically interesting releases in years – not because of its design or cameras, but because of what’s hidden under the hood. According to new leaks, Samsung might be pulling an unexpected move straight from Apple’s playbook: developing its own custom Exynos connectivity chip to power future flagship phones.

This signals a deeper shift toward hardware independence, echoing Apple’s long-standing philosophy of vertical integration.

Spotted on the Bluetooth SIG database, a mysterious Exynos S6568 chip has surfaced. The listing describes it as a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi companion chip that supports the latest Bluetooth 6.1 standard. It’s expected to pair with the upcoming Exynos 2600 processor, which will power some regional variants of the Galaxy S26 series. This chip could offer major improvements in wireless range, efficiency, and stability – areas where Samsung has traditionally relied on third-party suppliers like Broadcom and Qualcomm. If the rumors prove true, this would mark a major milestone in Samsung’s ongoing effort to build more of its smartphone components in-house.

Samsung’s decision mirrors Apple’s move with its Apple N1 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 series to handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tasks. Apple’s focus on proprietary chips has long been a key differentiator, allowing tight hardware-software integration. Now, Samsung appears determined to follow that same path, blending independence and optimization for a more seamless Galaxy experience. It’s a subtle but strategic change – one that could reshape the way the company approaches its ecosystem in the coming decade.

Launch delays and lineup reshuffles

While the new chip is exciting, the Galaxy S26 series isn’t coming as soon as fans hoped. Recent reports indicate a delay, pushing the launch to March instead of the traditional January release. Insiders suggest the delay is tied to a late-stage shift in Samsung’s product lineup. The company has reportedly canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge – a move that has disappointed some fans of the ultra-slim aesthetic – and brought back the Galaxy S26 Plus model instead. The base model, which was rumored to adopt the ‘Pro’ name, now seems to be sticking with the simpler ‘Galaxy S26’ branding.

This decision might reflect Samsung’s attempt to simplify its marketing and product tiers. With the S26 Ultra expected to remain the flagship hero device, Samsung appears to be streamlining its lineup rather than overcomplicating it with overlapping models. The Edge’s departure, while regrettable to fans who loved its design, may allow the company to focus on strengthening performance, battery life, and camera consistency across fewer SKUs.

Hardware changes and new features

Early leaks also hint at exciting upgrades. The Galaxy S26 Ultra could receive a redesigned frame, support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, and potentially faster 60W wired charging – a long-requested feature from Samsung enthusiasts tired of its conservative charging speeds. If realized, it would put Samsung back in the race against Chinese manufacturers that already offer faster charging technologies.

As for the Exynos connectivity chip, its implications go beyond the Galaxy S26. A proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module means Samsung can fine-tune performance for its ecosystem – think of better Galaxy Watch pairing, smoother Galaxy Buds connectivity, and more stable SmartThings communication. It’s an ambitious attempt to tighten control over every component that defines the Galaxy experience, ensuring Samsung’s devices talk to each other as fluidly as Apple’s do.

Still, there’s room for skepticism. Some users worry that Samsung’s Exynos chips historically haven’t matched Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in efficiency or thermal management. The success of the new S6568 chip will depend heavily on whether Samsung has managed to overcome those performance gaps. But if successful, it could set a precedent for Samsung’s next decade of mobile innovation.

Will these upgrades be enough?

For now, all eyes are on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which remains the centerpiece of the series. However, the more affordable S26 and S26 Plus variants need compelling updates to keep users interested. Design tweaks and faster chips may not be enough; users increasingly expect deeper ecosystem integration, better AI-driven camera experiences, and longer battery life. Samsung’s rumored delay could indicate that the company is taking extra time to polish these aspects before the global launch.

In the long run, the Galaxy S26 might mark a turning point – not because of a radical design shift, but because Samsung seems to be changing its entire philosophy. Just like Apple did years ago, it’s starting to build every crucial piece itself. And that could make the Galaxy experience more cohesive, more reliable, and ultimately more powerful than ever before.