The topic Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8, Watch 9, and Watch… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
Samsung’s July 2026 Galaxy Unpacked is officially in the books. The event brought a major shift to Samsung’s foldable strategy, with the announcement of the wide-format Galaxy Z Fold 8 (starting at $1,900) along with the more traditionally shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (starting at $2,100).
Alongside the new Fold lineup, Samsung also showed off the new Galaxy Z Flip 8, the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and the Galaxy Watch 9. And let’s not forget about the sneak peek at its upcoming intelligent eyewear, which will be available later this year.
8:01 am EDT: It’s early here on the East Coast, but we’ve got writer Andy Boxall headed over to the venue in London where it’s 1 pm. (Chandra Steele)
8:11 am EDT: There are some clues already in the livestream pre-roll, with a hint at the shape of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and health and wellness features in both of the expected watches. (Chandra Steele)
8:15 am EDT: “A new shape unfolds.” “New shape. New joy.” Samsung could not be any clearer that we are getting a chunkier phone. I’m a big fan of the form factor, so that makes me happy. (Chandra Steele)
8:23 am EDT: I’m not the only one who wants a wider phone. AP writer Rajesh Pandey says that the “regular” Z Fold 8 Wide, not the flashier Ultra, is the one to watch. Leaks suggest a 5.5-inch cover display with a 1.58:1 aspect ratio, that puts it much closer to the old Google Pixel Fold’s book-like proportions than to any past Galaxy Fold. Think of it as more of a small tablet than a stretched phone. (Chandra Steele)
8:30 am EDT: Pandey also thinks that thin is not in when it comes to Samsung’s foldables. He’d rather get a bigger battery, faster charging, and a better camera. (Chandra Steele)
8:37 am EDT: Did you sign up for the pre-order credit of $30? Let us know in the comments. Samsung linked to a reservation page when it pulled off its Spider-Man marketing stunt where it posted a video of Spider-Man web-slinging the phone into frame, tied to the Samsung-sponsored film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (out July 31). The post links to a reservation page offering a $30 pre-order credit and entry to win one of ten $500 Samsung gift cards. (Chandra Steele)
8:43 am EDT: File this under “big if true,” but according to the data reliable leaker Ice Universe, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung’s last small folding product. AP writer Rita El Khoury just shot me that news over Slack from an Ice Universe post on X. (Chandra Steele)
9 am EDT: Here we go. Cute London-themed graphics. The curtain rises on London. Our first glimpse of the Wide! CEO and Head of Devices TM Roh takes the stage.
“AI is becoming infrastructure, the invisible background of our daily life,” Roh says. By the end of this year, Samsung will bring AI to more than 800 million devices.
AI begins with your phone, Roh says. He emphasizes the connected Galaxy ecosystem: Phone, wrist, TV, soon beyond the screen with new AI glasses.
9:26 am EDT: The Z Fold 8 is indeed wide. It’s made for consuming: games, reading, videos. And a 4,800mAh for 26 hours of video playback. The world’s lightest Fold ever.
9:31 am EDT: The Z Fold 8 is also made for content creation, from it feeling more like a camera format in the hand, to opening for easy editing of images and video.
9:35 am EDT: Lee Dinham with the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The cover is “a small window fit for a big personality.” One UI 9 is coming to Galaxy foldables to benefit Flex Window.
9:43 am EDT: It’s a brand-new Fold for a brand-new day. There’s that “Spider-Man: Brand-New Day” promo and actor Jacob Batalon gets on stage.
9:47 am EDT: I did not expect Samsung to take on Apple in this way when it was revealed the other day, but hello, Samsung Galaxy Card that, of course, works with Samsung Wallet.
9:41 am EDT: Galaxy Watch 9 has health as its focus. Over 79 million users rely on Samsung Health. The Galaxy Watch 9 is designed to be proactive, not reactive.
9:59 am EDT: A 35% larger battery, 60 hours on a single charge. Just as rumored. Also, as rumored, highest rated dust- and water-resistance, and 5,000 nits brightness.
10:05 am EDT: It’s QuickShare time, with some promotion about how it now works across Android and iOS. There’s a small pitch to bring over those who haven’t used Galaxy devices yet.
10:07 am EDT: AI is still everywhere. Right now it’s being pitched as a way for agentic AI to spend its time working on your phone while you do IRL things.
10:12 am EDT: There they are! Osterloh shows off the Gentle Monster and Warby Parker collabs. They will let you take calls, listen to music, take photos.
10:16 am EDT: Back to a video of the “intelligent eyewear.” And they’re now onstage! They’re a non-display model. “The most powerful AI begins with what you hear.” Does it, though?
10:20 am EDT: There’s a lot of talk about the frames themselves being light, which is indeed important, Snapchat, I am looking at you and your bulk frames.
10:22 am EDT: The pitch is about taking photos of pets and babies, capturing meeting notes, and following along with recipes. It’s a wholesome way to present a product with serious privacy concerns.
– Main: 8.0″ QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2504 x 2256), 422 ppi, 1-120Hz Adaptive
– Cover: 6.5″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1080 x 2520), 422 ppi, 1-120Hz Adaptive
– Rear Telephoto: 10MP (F2.4, OIS, 3x Optical / 30x Space Zoom)
– Charging: 45W Wired (up to 63% in ~30 min), 20W Fast Wireless, Wireless PowerShare
– Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (Cover) / Victus 2 (Rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum
– Main: 7.6″ QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1848 x 2448), 403 ppi, 1-120Hz Adaptive
– Cover: 5.5″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1248 x 1972), 428 ppi, 1-120Hz Adaptive
– Rear Telephoto: 10MP (F2.4, OIS, 3x Optical / 30x Space Zoom)
– Charging: 45W Wired (up to 67% in ~30 min), 20W Fast Wireless, Wireless PowerShare
– Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (Cover) / Victus 2 (Rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum
– Main: 6.9″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1080 x 2520), 400 ppi, 1-120Hz Adaptive
– Cover: 4.1″ HD+ Super AMOLED (948 x 1048), 342 ppi, 60/120Hz
– Charging: 25W Wired (up to 55% in ~30 min), 15W Fast Wireless, Wireless PowerShare
– Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Cover) / Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum
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