All articles tagged with #galaxy s26
Samsung's Galaxy S26 update adds AirDrop-like file sharing with Apple devices (Share with Apple devices) across Europe and India after an initial Korea rollout, enabling seamless transfers between Galaxy S26 phones and iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks; the 868.11MB update (firmware S948BXXU1AZCF) also includes general stability and security improvements.
AirDrop support is rolling out to Galaxy S26 devices (S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra) through Samsung’s Quick Share, starting in Korea with the U.S. and other regions to follow later this week. Users enable the feature in Quick Share settings via a new 'Share with Apple devices' toggle to share files with iPhones and Macs, expanding cross-platform sharing beyond Apple devices.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 will support Apple AirDrop-style file sharing via Quick Share, rolling out today in Korea with plans to expand to North America, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, and Latin America; the cross‑platform feature lets Android users receive media from iPhones by enabling visibility for 10 minutes, following Google's Pixel 10 implementation last year.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 ships with Android’s notification categories (the per‑app type controls) turned off by default. It’s easy to enable them so you can tailor exactly which alerts you see: go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced > Manage notification categories for each app, then select the categories you want to receive (e.g., YouTube subscriptions vs. livestreams).
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is set to gain AirDrop-style file sharing via a software update, simplifying wireless transfers with iPhones. The feature, confirmed by Samsung’s mobile chief, could roll out to earlier Galaxy models and even other brands (like Oppo Find X9), signaling a shift toward cross-platform sharing after Apple’s long lead and Pixel’s earlier implementation. Timing isn’t announced yet, but the change could renew interest in the S26 lineup.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 now can act as a USB-C webcam for PCs and laptops, letting you use its rear (primary or ultrawide) or front cameras for video calls with a High Quality Mode that offers higher bitrate but can heat the phone. The feature follows Google's native Android webcam support introduced with Android 14 QPR1 and improvements in Android 15, but Samsung has only just brought it to the S26 lineup (likely via One UI 8.5) and it’s not yet on older Galaxy devices. You can even charge the phone while plugged in during use.
Engadget’s latest review roundup highlights Apple’s budget-friendly MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, Samsung’s Galaxy S26, and Dell’s premium XPS 16 (2026). The MacBook Neo scores high for design and brightness but is held back by only 8GB of RAM and limited storage; the iPhone 17e offers solid entry-level iOS with improved Portrait photography and MagSafe, though its display feels dated; the Galaxy S26 is a strong but conservative upgrade with a larger battery and AI features but few headline changes from its predecessor; and the XPS 16 earns praise for its exquisite design, OLED screen, and robust performance, despite a steep price and some tradeoffs like keyboard feel and lack of an SD card reader. The roundup also touches on other gadgets, including the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and Belkin’s Switch 2 charging case.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 keeps its pocketable chassis while adding a bigger 4300 mAh battery and 256GB base storage in a 6.3-inch, lighter body. It hides fingerprints well with a satin back, sticks to a familiar camera setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) and the same 25W charging, but adds no major camera upgrades or periscope zoom. Priced from about $900 with color options and trade‑in deals, it emphasizes endurance and ergonomics over new imaging tech.
Samsung's Galaxy Forever program in India lets buyers pay 50% of the Galaxy S26 series price via 12 interest-free EMIs; after a year they can keep the device by paying the remaining 50%, return it with no further cost, or upgrade to a newer Galaxy by applying the 50% buyback toward the new device, with Samsung Care+ included at no extra cost.
Samsung reportedly placed its Device Experience (DX) division into emergency management due to surging memory prices and higher logistics costs, even with record Galaxy S26 pre-orders; with margins collapsing and a potential operating loss in 2026, the company is reportedly raising base prices to offset cost pressures.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 initially offered a Hey Plex voice trigger for the Perplexity app, but the first software update appears to remove that option, preventing Hey Plex from launching Perplexity. The phone now supports only two on-screen assistants via voice (Bixby and Gemini), with no clear explanation for the change and uncertainty about whether the app or the system updated this feature.
Samsung is expanding its Google-originated security feature Inactivity Restart to Galaxy S26 devices in Korea via the February 2026 patch, following earlier availability on Galaxy Z Fold 7 and S25 beta. When enabled in Settings, Security and privacy, More security settings, Inactivity Restart, the phone will automatically reboot after 72 hours of inactivity, entering a BFU state that blocks fingerprint access until the correct PIN or password is entered. The rollout may depend on firmware or Google Play system updates, with broader availability expected to reach more devices soon.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series no longer includes a dedicated Night mode; Night is now a toggle in Photo mode that activates automatically in low-light scenes and offers Off, Auto, and Max. If you want the traditional dedicated Night mode, install the Camera Assistant app from Galaxy Store, enable Night mode under Additional modes, and access it from the Modes tab (the on-screen Night toggle in Photo mode may still appear when conditions warrant).
Samsung launches the Galaxy Store Benefits rewards program in the US, awarding virtual Gems for using the Galaxy Store which can be redeemed for coupons or digital gift cards. The program runs daily-to-monthly sweepstakes, including a Monthly Mega Sweepstakes that could award a Galaxy S26 Ultra, with additional hardware discounts and trade-in incentives to boost Galaxy Store engagement.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra is leading the new flagship trio's momentum in South Korea, accounting for about 70% of the S26 line's 1.35 million pre-orders and signaling strong demand for the Ultra even as the vanilla S26 and S26 Plus lag domestically; global performance remains uncertain as Samsung has not released full worldwide figures.