Expected Release Date in Late 2026, Latest Rumors on Specs and Timeline

Samsung is gearing up for its next flagship tablet lineup, with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra emerging as a highly anticipated refresh to the premium Android tablet segment. While the company has not officially announced the device, recent certifications, supply chain leaks and analyst reports point to a late 2026 debut, likely in the September–October window alongside other major product launches.

The Galaxy Tab S12 series first surfaced in early February 2026 through IMEI database listings, confirming development of the Tab S12+ (model SM-X846B) and Tab S12 Ultra (SM-X946B). These entries, spotted by tipsters and reported by GSMArena and NotebookCheck, indicate Samsung is actively preparing the tablets for market. Notably absent is a standard “Tab S12” model, continuing the pattern where Samsung alternates base/Plus variants annually while maintaining the Ultra as a consistent flagship offering.

The Tab S11 series, which included the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, launched in September 2025 with availability starting later that month. That timing aligns with Samsung’s historical cadence for Galaxy Tab S releases — typically unveiled at a summer or early fall Galaxy Unpacked event, often coinciding with foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series. Industry consensus from PhoneArena, GSMArena and YouTube leakers suggests the Tab S12 Ultra will follow suit, with an expected announcement in September or October 2026 and market availability shortly thereafter.

This places the device in the second half of 2026, potentially late summer or early autumn. Some sources, including Smartprix and Mobileinto, float a tentative date around September 4, 2026, based on patterns, though this remains speculative. The inclusion of new wearables like the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in the same certification batch hints at a bundled Unpacked event featuring tablets, watches and possibly foldables.

Rumors paint an ambitious picture for the Tab S12 Ultra. The device is expected to retain its massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, high brightness (potentially exceeding the Tab S11 Ultra’s 1600 nits) and anti-reflective coating for outdoor usability. Leaks suggest evolutionary design tweaks: a notch-less or under-display front camera for a cleaner bezel-to-edge experience, thinner bezels, reduced overall thickness (building on the Tab S11 Ultra’s 5.1mm profile) and possibly a Grade 5 titanium frame for enhanced durability and premium feel.

Performance upgrades are a focal point. The tablet is rumored to feature Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship processor — likely a Snapdragon 8 Elite successor or a custom variant optimized for tablets — paired with up to 24GB of RAM (a significant jump from the Tab S11 Ultra’s max 16GB configurations). This would enable seamless multitasking in Samsung DeX mode, turning the tablet into a laptop-like workstation, alongside advanced Galaxy AI features under One UI 8 or later. Storage options could range from 256GB to 1TB or higher, with microSD expansion support retained.

Battery capacity may see a slight increase from the Tab S11 Ultra’s 11,200mAh, potentially reaching 12,000mAh for extended productivity sessions, backed by faster wired charging (45W or higher). Camera setups are not expected to see major overhauls, focusing instead on software enhancements for video calls and content creation.

Galaxy AI integration remains a key selling point, with rumored features like enhanced Neural DeX for desktop-level multitasking, improved S Pen Pro 3 support for precise note-taking and drawing, and on-device AI tools for productivity and creativity. These would build on the Tab S11 Ultra’s AI capabilities, positioning the device as a strong iPad Pro competitor in the high-end tablet market.

Pricing details remain unconfirmed, but expectations place the Tab S12 Ultra in premium territory. Starting configurations could begin around $1,200–$1,400 for base models, scaling higher with increased RAM and storage. This would maintain its positioning above the Tab S12+ and well beyond mid-range alternatives.

The Tab S12 Ultra’s development comes amid intense competition from Apple’s iPad Pro lineup and emerging Android challengers. Samsung’s focus on larger, more powerful tablets reflects growing demand for hybrid devices that bridge smartphones and laptops, especially for professionals, creators and students.

As certifications and leaks accumulate, excitement builds for what could be Samsung’s most ambitious Tab S release yet. Official confirmation is likely months away, but the trajectory points to a late-2026 launch that could redefine premium Android tablets.

For now, consumers eyeing upgrades can consider the current Tab S11 Ultra, widely available with strong reviews for its display, performance and S Pen ecosystem. Stay tuned to Samsung’s channels for updates on the Galaxy Tab S12 series.