From business to everyday life: how devices like the Samsung S26 will power revenue in 2026

For decades, mobile devices existed on the periphery of daily life. They were handy tools for communication, information, and entertainment. But in 2026, smartphones are no longer just accessories. They represent lifestyle hubs. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup epitomizes this through its design and performance. By how it will drive continuous revenue through user interaction, integrated services, and connected experiences.

Samsung’s flagship launch this year represents a redefinition of what a phone is expected to do. The S26 lineup is anticipated to include a rebranded “Pro” base model, a feature-packed “Ultra,” and a possibly revived “Edge” variant. Unlike previous generations, the differences will go beyond camera specs and screen sizes. Samsung is building devices meant to be part of how people work, spend, interact, and even entertain themselves every hour of the day.

Design-wise, Samsung is expected to continue its pursuit of thinner, more elegant devices. Leaks suggest the S26 series will adopt a more seamless camera design, with slimmer bodies and integrated modules. The Ultra model could feature a next-generation 200MP Sony sensor and updated periscope zoom capabilities, elevating the smartphone to a near-professional content creation device.

At the same time, every model in the S26 line is rumored to come with at least 12GB of RAM, with higher-end variants offering up to 16GB. Paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or “Exynos” 2600 chip (depending on region), Samsung is aiming for lightning-fast responsiveness, optimized multitasking, and AI capabilities that will define how users interact with their phones.

What elevates the S26 beyond its predecessors is not just its physical form, but the intelligence it will carry. One UI 8.5, Samsung’s upcoming software skin, is rumored to introduce highly personalized, AI-driven features. These include “Notification Summaries,” which can intelligently summarize long messages or group chats, and an innovative “privacy display” that adapts visibility based on surroundings.

These tools point to a future where users don’t just operate their devices; their devices anticipate, react, and personalize the experience in real time. That type of service-driven interaction opens the door for monetization like tiered feature access, AI subscriptions, and contextual upsells. It turns hardware into an ongoing business channel.

With its high refresh rate displays, immersive audio, and real-time connectivity, the Samsung S26 is set to become a go-to device for sports fans across Europe, especially in countries like the Netherlands. The S26 offers a responsive, all-in-one platform for staying connected to the game by streaming live matches, tracking stats, or switching between fantasy league updates and social chats. Its AI-driven software could also tailor notifications or summaries based on users' favorite teams and leagues, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In markets where mobile sports engagement is deeply embedded into daily life, the connection goes even further. In markets where mobile sports engagement is part of everyday life, the connection between technology and entertainment runs deep. For instance, sports betting Netherlands platforms highlight how regulated digital ecosystems can offer secure, fast, and highly personalized experiences directly through smartphones. These platforms integrate naturally into the way Dutch users already interact with sports, placing friendly wagers, following real-time match data or sharing predictions in their group chats. It fits naturally alongside the broader functionality of a device like the S26.

Users grow comfortable using their phones to watch and interact with sports content, so Samsung stands to benefit. The more intuitive and seamless the experience, the more likely users are to engage continuously.

The traditional model of smartphone ownership such as buying hardware upfront and using apps passively, is giving way to participation-based engagement. That means users pay for a phone, but also for access to services, content, intelligence, and experiences. Samsung is expected to package S26 with improved bundles like extended cloud storage, fitness tools, smart home controls, or exclusive media. They will be all tied to the hardware itself.

Even beyond first-party offerings, third-party developers, payment systems, and health providers may integrate directly with One UI, leveraging device-specific features to create premium tools. Businesses that once relied on app stores may now work through device-centric partnerships. That is another revenue stream for Samsung and its ecosystem.

Functionally, the S26 lineup is poised to support this transition with its expanded capabilities. Rumors suggest battery capacities ranging from 4,200mAh in the Edge variant to a massive 5,500mAh in the Ultra. With 60W fast charging, these devices are continuously available. That’s crucial when devices are expected to handle everything from entertainment to financial transactions to health tracking.

The phones will also launch with Android 16 and set the stage for greater cross-device compatibility and possibly enhanced features with Samsung’s foldables, wearables, and tablets. The company’s rumored tri-fold phone, expected to be teased alongside the S26 launch, further illustrates Samsung’s strategy is to expand the ecosystem and invite users into a flexible, service-rich environment.

With greater integration comes greater responsibility. Device-makers entering everyday life must uphold stringent standards around privacy, data protection, and user control. Features like the privacy display are early examples of proactive design, but regulatory compliance will become an operational core. Especially in regions like the EU, where data laws are strict, companies must show that convenience doesn’t override consent.

Samsung’s ability to differentiate may come from innovation and  from trust. Users will need assurance that on-device AI isn’t collecting indiscriminately, that their payment systems are secure, and that their digital lives remain in their control.

By 2026, smartphones like the Galaxy S26 will stop being the endpoint of business. Instead, they’ll be the beginning of continuous, everyday monetization. Every notification summary, every smart camera shot, every contextual suggestion becomes a chance to offer value and generate revenue. The future lies in micro-engagements at scale.

This is an industry-wide reorientation. Apple, Google, and Chinese OEMs are all inching toward the same goal. They turn the phone into a living, learning, adaptive agent that enriches.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a turning point in how devices fit into our daily lives and business models. With its refined hardware, smarter software, and deeper AI integration, the S26 marks Samsung’s move toward devices that adapt, assist, and generate ongoing value.

Its anticipated partnership with Perplexity AI further signals this transformation. By potentially replacing Google’s Gemini assistant with a more autonomous, context-aware AI, Samsung is moving toward a future where the smartphone is a proactive part of how we live, work, and engage.

The S26 becomes a glimpse into what’s next: a device that lives at the center of everyday life.

This article was written in cooperation with Jake Simons