Samsung Unpacked 2026: Galaxy Z Fold 8, Smartwatches, and Surprise Tech

Samsung is poised to unveil its latest lineup of foldable smartphones and smartwatches at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The tech giant will host the highly anticipated launch in London, with ZDNET expected to provide live coverage. This year's event is particularly noteworthy for potential surprises beyond the expected flagship devices, including advancements in wearable technology and augmented reality.

The core of the announcement will likely center on the next generation of Samsung's foldable devices. This includes the anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, marking Samsung's eighth iteration of its pioneering foldable phone technology. Rumors suggest a significant design evolution for the Z Fold 8, potentially featuring a wider aspect ratio that could enhance multitasking capabilities. Early reports point to internal upgrades such as a 5,000 mAh battery and an improved dual-camera system, aiming to refine the user experience of its tablet-adjacent devices.

Wearables and Unexpected Innovations

Beyond the foldables, the event is set to introduce the latest iterations of Samsung's smartwatch line. Consumers can expect the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9. Notably, reports indicate that Samsung may be discontinuing the 'Classic' variant of its smartwatches this year, a move that might disappoint users who prefer the traditional rotating bezel design. The new Galaxy Watch 9 is anticipated to receive standard upgrades, possibly including enhanced processors and better battery efficiency.

However, the event could also host the debut of more experimental products. Samsung has previously teased augmented reality glasses, potentially dubbed the Galaxy XR Glasses. Executives have indicated these glasses are intended to integrate seamlessly with the Galaxy ecosystem and leverage artificial intelligence to contextualize a user's surroundings. While details remain scarce, their introduction would mark a significant push into the AR space for Samsung. Another possibility is a second-generation Galaxy Ring, though speculation about its immediate release is less pronounced, with some analysts predicting a 2027 launch.

The Korean tech firm is also offering incentives for early adopters. A $30 reservation credit is available for those who pre-order devices before the official unveiling. Additionally, trade-in offers could provide discounts of up to $1,200 on new Galaxy devices, aiming to drive sales of the latest Samsung technology.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event can be streamed live on July 22 at 9 a.m. ET through Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and the company's official YouTube channel. ZDNET's dedicated team will be on the ground in London, providing real-time updates, hands-on reviews, and in-depth analysis of all the new hardware and software unveiled.