Samsung Set to Showcase Foldables and AI at Galaxy Unpacked 2026

The second half of the year’s biggest event for Samsung enthusiasts and technology fans, Galaxy Unpacked 2026, is fast approaching. Although Samsung has yet to make an official announcement, industry speculation strongly suggests that the event will take place in London, United Kingdom, on July 22.

This year's showcase is expected to introduce significant changes to Samsung's foldable smartphone lineup. While global memory chip shortages and rising component costs may push prices slightly higher, the company is also expected to unveil several feature-rich devices.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series: A New Era for Foldables

The biggest highlight of this year's Unpacked event is expected to be a historic split in Samsung's book-style foldable lineup, with two distinct Galaxy Z Fold 8 models reportedly set for launch.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide Model): Moving away from the narrow cover display of previous Fold devices, Samsung is reportedly introducing a wider model designed to compete with Apple's anticipated foldable phone. The device is expected to feature a 7.6- or 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it more comfortable to use when folded.

Thanks to improved engineering, the phone is expected to weigh just 201 grams, significantly lighter than previous generations, while the display crease will be barely noticeable. To reduce weight and thickness, Samsung may equip it with only two rear cameras—a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor—eliminating the telephoto lens.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: This model is expected to succeed last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 as Samsung's ultra-premium foldable. It is rumored to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 200MP primary camera, and 45W fast charging. Leaked information also suggests a substantial improvement in display resolution.

The Fold series is expected to be available in Cream, Graphite, Lavender, Pistachio, and Violet Shadow color options with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants.

Galaxy Z Flip 8

Samsung is also expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for fans of compact foldable smartphones. A redesigned hinge is expected to significantly reduce the visibility of the display crease while lowering the weight to approximately 180 grams, compared to the Flip 7's 188 grams.

The device is expected to retain its 6.9-inch internal display and 4.1-inch cover screen. Global variants are likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, while selected regional markets may receive Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. Color options are expected to include Cream, Graphite, Mint, and Pink.

Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2

Samsung is also expected to introduce modest yet meaningful upgrades to its wearable lineup.

Galaxy Watch 9: While the overall design is expected to remain largely unchanged, the smartwatch may receive new case colors, an upgraded Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, and several AI-powered health monitoring features.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: The next-generation premium smartwatch is rumored to feature a slightly boxier design, slimmer bezels, and refreshed side-button styling.

According to leaked information, Samsung may also discontinue its traditional rotating-bezel Galaxy Watch Classic series this year.

Major Reveal: Google-Samsung Android XR Smart Glasses

Beyond smartphones, one of the event's biggest attractions could be Samsung's new Android XR-powered smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Google and Gentle Monster.

Designed as a competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, the audio-focused wearable is expected to feature Google's Gemini AI as a built-in assistant. Equipped with onboard cameras, the glasses are also expected to support real-time AI-powered visual analysis.

Samsung is expected to announce pricing details and a potential commercial release window, reportedly targeted for September or October.

AI at the Center of Samsung's Ecosystem

Overall, Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is expected to be more than a hardware launch event. Samsung is also likely to present its broader vision for integrating agentic artificial intelligence across its mobile ecosystem, demonstrating how AI-powered automation will shape the next generation of Galaxy devices.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//