Samsung Unpacks Galaxy Z Fold 8, Watch 9 on July 22 in London

Samsung has officially announced its next major product launch event, dubbed Unpacked, will take place in London on July 22, 2026. The event is poised to reveal the highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, alongside the new Galaxy Watch 9. Reservations for these upcoming devices are now open on Samsung's official website.

The July 22 event, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. ET, will mark Samsung's return to Europe for a major hardware unveiling, with the company having last launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Paris in 2024. This year's Unpacked promises to showcase "the latest Galaxy innovations that build on its leadership in foldables, combining intelligent capabilities and new form factors to deliver more personal, adaptive experiences and set a new standard for the AI era," according to a company statement. The new lineup is expected to include the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, a larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8, as well as the Galaxy Watch 9 and a potential Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

New Foldable Form Factors and AI Focus

Industry insiders and tech publications have been abuzz with speculation surrounding potential new designs for Samsung's foldable lineup. Leaked information suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series might introduce a new "wide" form factor, differing from previous generations and potentially impacting the user experience significantly. This strategic shift aligns with Samsung's stated commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into its devices, aiming to redefine personal technology. The company's focus on "intelligent capabilities" signals a deeper dive into on-device AI processing and user-centric features designed to adapt to individual needs.

Beyond the foldables and smartwatches, the event may also feature new Galaxy Buds and a glimpse of Samsung's work on augmented reality with its Galaxy Glasses, developed in collaboration with Google. The collaboration with Google on AR technology highlights a broader trend in the industry towards more immersive and interconnected digital experiences.

Samsung is enticing early adopters with reservation offers. While placing a reservation is free and non-obligatory, those who sign up will receive a $30 credit usable towards accessories. Furthermore, the company is teasing significant savings, potentially up to $1,200 off on new devices, which is widely believed to refer to enhanced trade-in values for older models, particularly for the premium Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The top-tier model is rumored to carry a higher price point than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making these trade-in offers particularly appealing for consumers looking to upgrade.

The reservation program also includes a chance to win one of ten $500 Samsung.com gift cards. These promotional activities are typical for major Samsung launches, aiming to build hype and secure early customer commitment before the official retail availability. The livestream of the event will be accessible on YouTube and other platforms, allowing a global audience to witness the unveiling of Samsung's latest advancements in mobile technology.