Mashable

A new generation of Samsung Galaxy is here. The Samsung Galaxy S26 made its debut during Samsung Unpacked on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and preorders start today ahead of its March 11 release.

While there are very few differences between the new S26 Samsung Galaxy phones and previous generations, there are some noteworthy changes.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Comparing price, specs, and features

Now, Samsung has combined its AI photo and video studio into the Creative Studio. What's creating the bigger buzz is the inclusion of a new Privacy Display. The new feature means that you can only view the screen head-on, meaning passersby can't catch a glimpse of your texts or any other very important business you're up to.

Physically, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will look similar to the S25 line-up, but it will have a more prominent camera bump. For those upgrading, this means one certainty — you'll need a new phone case.

Luckily, new cases are already available for the Samsung Galaxy S26. They're available to shop now, so by the time your new Samsung Galaxy S26 arrives, your case will be there too.

Samsung

Of course, Samsung is one of the first to outfit its new phones. Along with the Samsung Galaxy S26 preorder drop is a collection of new phone cases. Samsung launched a clear magnetic case, an ultra slim case, a silicone magnetic case, and a rugged case, all available to fit S26 phones, including the S26+ and S26 Ultra. According to Samsung's website, these cases will ship before the phones and arrive by March 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases   Shop Now Casetify

If you want your phone case to have some real personality, Casetify is always the answer. With thousands of options to choose from, your new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone can be delightfully unique to you. Casetify is particularly good at spotting the trends with bowcore, chrome, and floral prints available. Samsung Galaxy S26 cases from Casetify start at $64.

Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases $64 at Casetify
  Shop Now Belkin

Belkin launched two new phone cases for the new Samsung Galaxy phones, which includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The SheerForce Clear series case has a translucent design and is made to prevent yellowing — a common curse of clear cases. If you prefer a solid case, the SheerForce collection also includes the Protect series, which comes in three colors: black, lavender, and navy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Belkin Belkin Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $49.99 at Belkin
  Shop Now ESR

ESR has already launched its Samsung Galaxy S26 cases, with a new clear case. There's a model available for every size of the S26, including the S26+ and S26 Ultra. The thin, clear case features military-grade drop protection and magnetic charging compatibility. Around the camera is a built-in phone stand so you can watch horizontal video anywhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: ESR ESR Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $35.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Burga

A case is more than just crucial protections; it's also a way to show personality. Burga makes cases with chic and trendy prints, including polka dots, stripes, ombre, and motivational messages. Before Samsung Unpacked even launched, Burga had Samsung Galaxy S26 cases available, which you can start shopping for now. Plus, they're running a deal, and when you buy four cases, you only pay for two.

Opens in a new window Credit: Burga Burga Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases Buy four phone cases at Burga and pay for just two. Get Deal Careborne

An extremely thin phone case doesn't mean a flimsy phone case. CaseBorne's Thinborne cases are made from Aerospace-grade aramid fiber, which is extremely thin and durable. It's meant to show off your phone rather than distract it with a flashy design. Caseborne's Galaxy S26 case is already live and will arrive by Monday, March 2, a full nine days before the S26 is released.

Opens in a new window Credit: CaseBorne CaseBorn Thinborn Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Spidercase

For a slim but extremely functional case, look to the Spidercase, which comes in transparent designs so you can actually see your phone. It's a thin case that's shockproof without being bulky. Plus, it comes with a built-in stand and MagSafe compatibility. The Spidercase is available to shop on Amazon and will ship out on Monday, March 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spidercase Spidercase Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $17.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Snakehive

Looking for a leather case? Snakehive is joining the crowd of new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases. The brand's leather case has a slim profile and comes in four different shades: rich tan, jet black, hunter green, and oxford blue. Despite the leather material, it's still MagSafe-friendly for all your wireless charging needs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Snakehive Snakehive Samsung Galaxy S26 Phone Case $39.99
  Shop Now Pitaka

Pitaka joins the crowd of aramid fiber phone cases. The woven design makes it extremely durable without being too thick. Pitaka's case for the Samsung Galaxy S26 is already live, available in two colors: black and moonrise. It has a raised camera edge to protect the lens and is MagSafe-friendly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pitaka Pitaka Moonrise Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Exoticase

A protective but minimalist phone case for the new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone comes from Exoticase. The design of the case is simple with a matte, transparent backing paired with an accent color like soothing green or flashy red. The case has protection in mind with raised edges around the camera and screen edges to protect against drops and falls.

Opens in a new window Credit: Exoticase Exoticase Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $24.95 at Exoticase
  Get Deal UAG

In need of a heavy-duty case? UAG, Urban Armor Gear, launched cases fit for the new Samsung Galaxy 26 phones. The collection includes a basic, clear option, a dotted pattern, and a rugged model for heavy-duty adventures.

Opens in a new window Credit: UAG UAG Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases   Shop Now

Google dropped a surprise announcement for Gemini users today: Nano Banana 2 is here.

The company announced the immediate launch of Nano Banana 2 in a blog post, and the AI image model is already rolling out to Google and Gemini AI tools. The model's official name is Gemini 3.1 Flash Image.

Google says that Nano Banana 2 has more advanced world knowledge, a description that also calls to mind Google's recent world model Project Genie. "The model pulls from Gemini’s real-world knowledge base, and is powered by real-time information and images from web search to more accurately render specific subjects. This deep understanding also helps you create infographics, turn notes into diagrams and generate data visualizations."

AI-GENERATED IMAGE. Credit: Google

In addition, Google says that Nano Banana 2 will provide more accurate text rendering and translation.

What is Nano Banana 2? AI-generated Images Credit: Google

Simply put, Nano Banana 2 is the sequel to the wildly popular AI image model Nano Banana.

In August 2025, a mysterious new AI image editor called Nano Banana started tearing up the AI leaderboards. Google soon revealed it was the code name for a new image model officially called Gemini 2.5 Flash Image; however, the name "Nano Banana" stuck like glue.

Ever since, Google has had a runaway hit on its digital hands. Nano Banana has proven to be an extremely capable AI image generator, and it excels at editing images in particular. As Nano Banana went viral, Google started integrating it into a wide variety of tools, from Google Messages to Chrome.

SEE ALSO: 5 popular Nano Banana prompts to try in 2026

Not only does Nano Banana make it possible for virtually anyone to edit photographs — in ways that used to require years of Photoshop experience — but it also offers high consistency. That means the same character or product can appear repeatedly across multiple prompts.

To promote Nano Banana 2, Google released some example photos showing off its capabilities.

Could you tell this is an AI-generated image? Credit: Google AI-GENERATED IMAGE. Credit: Google AI-GENERATED IMAGE. Credit: Google How to try Nano Banana 2

Google says that Nano Banana 2 is rolling out as Gemini 3.1 Flash Image immediately. Free users will have limited generations, with paid and enterprise users getting wider access. It's available in the Gemini app as well as other Google products, including:

• Google Search

• AI Studio

• Gemini API

• Google Antigravity

• Google Cloud

• Google Flow

• Google Ads

You can learn more about Nano Banana 2 at Google DeepMind, and you can start testing the model with AI image prompts right away.

SAVE $1,099.99: Verizon customers can get the new Samsung Galaxy S26+ for free when they change their mobile plan to either the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26+ (Verizon, 256GB) $0 at Verizon
$1,099.99 Save $1,099.99 free with any new Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus mobile plan Pre-order Here

With most "free" phone deals from mobile carriers, you're required to ship your old phone back to them in a trade-in situation. But Verizon is offering a preorder deal that requires much less effort on your part. You'll get the Samsung Galaxy S26+ for free just by switching your mobile plan to the new Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan.

Just announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung's new lineup of flagship phones is scheduled to launch on March 11. All three phones — the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra — are officially up for preorder. You can choose your own adventure re: preordering, with deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and mobile carriers, but Verizon's preorder deal is the only way to get the S26+ for free.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung 85-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD TV is down to $1,399.99 at Amazon — save over $200

The offer is available to both new and existing Verizon customers who switch their mobile plan to the Unlimited Ultimate (starting at $40 per month) or Unlimited Plus (starting at $50 per month) plans. Verizon's three-year price lock guarantee also ensures you'll keep your plan pricing even if costs go up.

The S26+ is the mid-tier model in Samsung's new Galaxy phone lineup. It's a minor upgrade over the S25+, but an upgrade nonetheless. It packs the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the same camera setup, a meaningful battery bump, and new AI features.

If you prefer the best Galaxy phone in the lineup, you can also score the Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) for free, but you'll need to coordinate a qualifying device trade-in and add a new line to any Unlimited Ultimate plan. We'll leave that up to you to decide. Either way, getting a brand new Galaxy device for free almost feels like a crime.