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Galaxy S22 release date might have been delayed due to supply chain issues

Published Dec 22nd, 2021 8:06AM EST
Samsung Galaxy S21 On Table
Image: Christian de Looper for BGR

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The Galaxy S22 is the most anticipated flagship phone of early 2022, especially considering Samsung’s big surprise for Note fans. The Galaxy S22 Ultra model will come with a Note-like design and a built-in stylus. Thus, the upcoming Ultra becomes the de facto Galaxy Note 22 of 2022. The cheaper Galaxy S22 versions should be equally exciting, especially considering that rumors say both handsets will come with glass designs. But you might have to wait a while longer to get your hands on your Galaxy S22 of choice. That’s because Samsung might have delayed the Galaxy S22 release date by a few days, according to a prominent leaker.

The initial launch rumors

Last year, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S21 series in early January. That was the earliest release date for the Galaxy S series we’ve ever seen. Traditionally, Samsung unveils the new Galaxy S models before the late February Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, Spain. That’s changed in the past few years, as Samsung sought more breathing room between its Galaxy flagship and everything else coming out of MWC.

The coronavirus pandemic also altered the way vendors launched new devices. It impacted the supply chain, manufacturing plans, and shipping logistics.

With that in mind, we initially expected an early January release date for the Galaxy S22 phones, in line with last year’s schedule. That wasn’t going to be the case, previous leaks said. Jon Prosser said in early November that the Galaxy S22 release date will be February 18th or 10 days after the February 8th preorder date.

According to the same leaks, the Galaxy S21 FE would come in early January.

The Galaxy S22 release date delay

Prosser is now back with updated release dates for the Galaxy S22 series. According to the YouTuber, the three Galaxy S22 phones will go on preorder on February 9th, a day later than the initial estimate. But the Galaxy S22 release date has been pushed back by a week. That’s February 25th, if Prosser’s sources are accurate.

“Sources are citing a pretty significant supply chain issue,” the leaker said, without providing additional details. However, that’s in line with what’s happening with the entire industry these days. No company is spared, not even Apple, which made tremendous efforts to ensure it could manufacture and ship a massive number of iPhone 13 units this year.

The Galaxy S22 series’ release date might be delayed, but the Galaxy S21 FE will launch on time. Prosser said that Samsung might unveil the cheaper Galaxy S21 version on January 3rd, a day earlier than expected. The release date stays in place for January 11th.

As usual, there’s no way to confirm these leaked dates. But Galaxy S rumors tend to be accurate, especially from sources like Prosser. Samsung will start announcing its early 2022 press events soon enough. It’s not just the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S22 Unpacked events but also the CES 2022 press conference. The closer we get to February, the clearer the Galaxy S22 release date rumors should be.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.