Galaxy S26: Samsung might be the first to adopt Bluetooth 6.1
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 could mark the debut of a new generation of wireless connectivity.
According to a new Bluetooth SIG certification, the next flagship from South Korea, the Galaxy S26, may be one of the first smartphones to feature Bluetooth 6.1, thanks to a new Exynos chip.
Galaxy S26: A new chip for faster and more secure connections
The chip in question, called Exynos S6568, should not be confused with the upcoming Exynos 2600 meant for the main processor. This module is specifically designed to handle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to the Exynos processor.
According to the specifications released by Bluetooth SIG, “the S6568 is designed to work in conjunction with a compatible Exynos processor to provide a complete BT + Wi-Fi solution supporting Bluetooth 6.1.”
This statement raises doubts regarding the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 versions, which will power the models intended for the United States and China, and that are currently limited to Bluetooth 6.0.
A launch expected in March 2026
This certification comes precisely within Samsung’s usual timeline: the Galaxy S26 is expected to be announced in March 2026, featuring the Exynos 2600 for Europe and other international markets.
Bluetooth 6.1: Enhanced privacy and lower consumption
Officially unveiled in May 2025, Bluetooth 6.1 significantly improves upon version 6.0. Key updates include a boost in privacy through the Randomized Resolvable Private Address (RPA) feature, which regularly changes an device’s Bluetooth identity to prevent tracking in public spaces; and better energy efficiency, as address management is now handled by the controller rather than the main CPU.
Bluetooth 6.0 had already introduced Channel Sounding, a technology for ultra-precise location tracking at the centimeter level. Version 6.1 continues on this path, focusing on stability, security, and autonomy.
A potential world first
If Samsung successfully integrates this technology into the Galaxy S26, the brand could become the first major manufacturer to launch a smartphone compatible with Bluetooth 6.1—a significant advancement for the Galaxy ecosystem, from connected earbuds to smart home devices.
