Samsung Electronics is set to showcase a range of innovative devices, from foldable phones with new aspect ratios to smart glasses, as it aims to lead the AI era with personalized and optimized mobile experiences.
According to industry sources, Samsung will hold its 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event on July 22 at 2 p.m. local time in London (10 p.m. KST). The company will unveil several new products in the Galaxy Z series, including the wide-format 'Galaxy Z Fold 8' with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra' maintaining the existing 3:2 ratio, and the 'Galaxy Z Flip 8.' Additionally, the event will feature enhanced wearable devices like the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which focus on health functionalities. Samsung and Google will also introduce AI smart glasses during the event.
The standout product is expected to be the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8,' which features a wider design with a reduced vertical length. This new 'passport-style' foldable phone is anticipated to enhance video viewing, document editing, and multitasking capabilities. The existing foldable design will be rebranded as the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra,' which will emphasize high-performance features.
The Ultra model will be distinguished by its enhanced camera and AI capabilities. The standard version is expected to include a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, while the Ultra will boast a top-tier 200-megapixel wide-angle camera and on-device AI features. However, due to the high specifications and rising memory costs, a price increase is anticipated, with estimates suggesting the Fold 8 will be priced around $1,899 and the Fold 8 Ultra at approximately $2,099.
Samsung has also made significant improvements to the foldable phone's most notable weakness: screen creases. The recently unveiled 'Flex Titanium' technology will be applied for the first time, combining titanium alloy film with reinforced titanium plates to create a unique dual structure. This innovation is expected to make the device thinner and lighter while enhancing rigidity, thereby improving both screen creases and durability.
The 'Galaxy Z Flip 8' will focus more on user convenience than on design changes. The external cover display will be optimized, allowing users to access Google Gemini, check schedules, control the camera, and run widgets without opening the phone. The device is also expected to be lighter than its predecessor, with improved battery efficiency and reduced screen creases.
Wearable devices will evolve with an AI focus as well. The 'Galaxy Watch 9' and 'Galaxy Watch Ultra 2' will go beyond merely recording health data, with AI analyzing users' physical conditions and suggesting exercise and rest as an 'AI health coach.' These watches will analyze heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to detect bodily changes and provide personalized health management based on daily activity levels.
Another highlight of this Unpacked event will be the 'smart glasses.' Samsung is likely to unveil AI glasses developed in collaboration with Google. Expected to weigh around 50 grams, similar to regular glasses, they will feature a 12-megapixel camera and Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 platform, along with Google Gemini. The AI will recognize scenes in real-time, providing navigation, foreign language translation, voice commands, and photo capture through a new AI interface. A formal launch is anticipated this fall.
Through this Unpacked event, Samsung aims to lead innovation in the ecosystem of AI devices, connecting smartphones, watches, and smart glasses.
Noh Tae-moon, head of Samsung Electronics' DX division, recently stated, "The new form factors from foldables to smart glasses will expand the touchpoints where AI meets users," hinting at a new hardware strategy for the AI era.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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