This Week in Tech: Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26, Fitbit's AI Coach Launches on iOS

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event Approaches

Samsung will unveil its eagerly awaited Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup on February 25 during its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. With the unveiling slated for 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern), tech enthusiasts can tune in via the livestream available on their official channel.

Current rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 series—which will include the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra—will feature minor enhancements over their predecessors. The devices are likely powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with improvements in charging speed and camera hardware but few revolutionary changes.

A standout feature is expected to be a new privacy screen that allows users to hide specific parts of their display from prying eyes. However, it's worth noting that even modest upgrades could lead to a price increase, likely influenced by prevailing RAM shortages.

Samsung is already offering reservations for the Galaxy S26, enticing potential buyers with a $30 credit for preorders and a chance to win a $5,000 gift card.

Notably, don't expect a return of the Galaxy S26 Edge—feedback on the previous model was lukewarm, leading to its anticipated discontinuation. Samsung has historically showcased other innovations during this event, so keep an eye out for announcements regarding new Galaxy Buds or other devices.

Fitbit's Personal Health Coach Now on iOS

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Fitbit has launched its eagerly awaited Personal Health Coach on iOS, following its earlier rollout for Android. This AI-powered wellness assistant requires a Fitbit Premium subscription and iOS 16.4 or higher. Users in multiple regions—including Canada, Australia, and the UK—can now access this service.

While the convenience of a virtual health coach is appealing, I must express some caution. Entrusting personal health data to a large corporation can feel unsettling, even with assurances against advertising use. I found the AI coach's assistance to be remarkably easy to use, albeit potentially odd for friends and family who may find reliance on an AI awkward.

Nonetheless, at $10 per month, Fitbit Premium stands out as an economical alternative to traditional personal coaching, especially when you consider how it encompasses a wide range of health and fitness aspects.

iOS 26.3 Simplifies Switching to Android

Photograph: Simon Hill

This week, Apple released iOS 26.3, featuring a new utility for switching from iPhone to Android. This collaboration with Google simplifies the transition process, allowing users to transfer photos, texts, apps, and more by placing their Android device next to an iPhone—an operation reminiscent of switching between iPhones.

Aside from the migration feature, iOS 26.3 introduces the Limit Precise Location privacy setting, although its availability is limited to select Apple devices equipped with specific modems. This feature restricts some location-tracking data—a testament to Apple's ongoing efforts to bolster user privacy.

The Android 17 Beta That Never Was

In a twist, Google has unexpectedly shelved the public release of the Android 17 beta, marking a departure from its usual timeline. Known for launching beta versions sequentially, Google has opted to prioritize its new “Android Canary” release channel, which expedites the testing process for developers.

As we await the next iteration of Android, it remains unclear what new features to expect. However, Google plans for more frequent software updates rather than relying solely on one major annual release, suggesting a focus on small, incremental improvements moving forward.

YouTube Arrives on Apple Vision Pro

Courtesy of Apple

After a two-year wait, the YouTube app is finally available on Apple Vision Pro, allowing users to enjoy enhanced viewing experiences. This app includes both standard and immersive 3D content, offering a novel approach to video consumption in a virtual environment. Prior to this release, users could only access YouTube through a web browser, indicating that Apple is gradually filling gaps in its app ecosystem.

However, Google's hesitance to release other services on Apple's platform likely indicates their focus on building their competing Android XR platform. This could lead to an ongoing competitive landscape for app availability between these platforms.