Samsung is gearing up to unveil three foldable smartphones at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra variant. Though these names haven’t been officially confirmed, they dominate recent leaks. Alongside the foldables, new smartwatches-likely the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2-are expected to make an appearance.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 looks to be the headline device. Insider info suggests it will feature a 5.4-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, signaling a significant redesign that reshapes the foldable format. This move positions Samsung to directly challenge rumors of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which multiple analysts and supply chain sources predict will launch in fall 2026.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to serve as a premium successor to the Fold 7, carrying a higher price and the ”Ultra” branding to emphasize its top-tier status. This strategy echoes a broader trend in the foldable market, which IDC forecasts will reach around 20 million shipments worldwide by 2025. Although Samsung leads the foldable segment, competition is heating up from Huawei, Honor, and Xiaomi.
Samsung is doubling down on AI this year. The event invitation promises ”a more personal and adaptive experience” and a ”new standard for the AI era.” This likely hints at further expansion of Galaxy AI, which Samsung pushed heavily following the Galaxy S24 lineup and will continue into Galaxy S26. Meanwhile, rivals aren’t sitting still-Google’s August 12 event in New York is expected to debut the Pixel 11, and Apple is gearing up for its iPhone 18 launch this September.
There’s also buzz about a surprise reveal. Samsung’s summer Unpacked events often save a twist for the finale, and this time rumors point to the company’s first ”smart” glasses without built-in displays. These would directly challenge Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, especially since leaks suggest Samsung’s glasses could pair with a smart ring for gesture control. If this materializes, it would make the presentation more than just a foldable refresh.
Pre-order promos are already live. In the U.S., buyers can expect a $30 Samsung credit and total benefits up to $1,230 for orders placed after the event, plus a chance to win one of ten $500 gift cards. July 22 will reveal whether Samsung sticks to its usual annual Fold and Flip updates or tries to seize the spotlight ahead of a busy fall tech season headlined by Google and potentially the first foldable iPhone.
*Meta, owner of Ray-Ban Meta, is designated an extremist organization and banned in Russia.