Multiple indications have emerged that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will bring significant design changes. The device is expected to have a more curved design, thus straying away from that iconic Galaxy Note silhouette that it has adopted for a few years now.

Leaked dummy units have also revealed the presence of a camera island at the back. New information suggests that there may be two factors that will contribute to its return.

As highlighted on X, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be slimmer than its predecessor, 8.2mm vs 7.9mm. The cameras on the Galaxy S25 Ultra aren't housed on an island and jut out directly from the back glass.

A thinner phone would raise the profile of the camera lenses, which are also expected to be upgraded and would thus be thicker. The upgraded f/1.4 aperture of the primary sensor is said to add 1mm to its thickness.

The camera protrusion on the Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 2.4mm. It would go up to 3.7mm when you account for these two factors, the slimmer phone and the thicker camera. Adding a camera island would reduce this protrusion and allow a more balanced look for the final design.

It all makes sense on paper and all of the leaks so far point to a camera island being added to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. More clarity should emerge in the coming months as additional leaks will undoubtedly surface.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in January next year. The company is also expected to replace the Plus model in the lineup with the Galaxy S26 Edge.