It is already expected that Samsung will debut is next flagship early next year. However, with the recall of the current Galaxy Note 7, will the South Korea-based tech giant adjust its timeline for follow-up flagships like the Galaxy S8?
According to Android Authority, Samsung is recalling over 2 million Galaxy Note 7 units due to a defect, with reports of the devices spontaneously combusting. Meanwhile, the tech maker has already made adjustments with third-party retailers and mobile carriers, with some offering full refunds, and others a replacement Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge.
It is also noted that Samsung will have to come out with an updated version of the Galaxy Note 7 for the market, releasing it towards the end of year, right after replacing the already-purchased Galaxy Note 7s. In addition, the recalled units will have been repaired with new parts, and may even come out in the market as refurbished units.
This means that up until early 2017, the Galaxy Note 7 will remain as the current flagship for Samsung. Given that Samsung will have to extend the market cycle for the iteration, there are speculations it may affect the debut of follow-up flagships, most notably the Galaxy S8.
However, it is already expected that since Samsung may have already laid out its release schedules for next year, the Galaxy S8 will retain its early 2017 outing. The Galaxy S-series is a co-flagship with the Galaxy Note lineup, and the two flagship iterations have their own market base.
Previous rumors suggested that the new flagship is expected to be unveiled at the MWC 2017. Although Samsung has yet to confirm it, it has been a habit for the tech maker to come out with a new Galaxy S-series iteration in the annual trade show. In addition, supposed leaks on its specs and features have already surfaced online, solidifying rumors that it will come out early next year.
