Samsung has taken the stage in London for its second major phone launch of the year, the July Galaxy Unpacked event. Following the Galaxy S26 series debut in February, today's spotlight falls on foldables and wearables, with surprises that could reshape the smart glasses market. The event, streamed live on Samsung's official website and YouTube, has already generated significant buzz among enthusiasts and analysts.
New foldables: Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Ultra variant
The foldable lineup expands with three models. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are direct successors to their predecessors, with expected upgrades such as new chipsets, a more compact hinge, and enhanced cameras. However, the real novelty is the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which despite its name adopts a new form factor: wider and shorter than the Fold 7 and Fold 8 Ultra, aiming to offer a user experience closer to a traditional clamshell smartphone at a potentially lower price. According to rumors, Samsung aims to make foldables more accessible without sacrificing innovation. For a detailed breakdown of the new devices, read our dedicated article on Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in London.
Sponsored Protocol
Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2: upgraded battery and 5G connectivity
In the wearable segment, Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The Ultra 2 model stands out with an 800mAh battery and 5G support, a first for a Galaxy Watch. These specs position it as a direct competitor to the most advanced smartwatches, targeting users who seek autonomy and always-on connectivity. The Galaxy Watch 9, on the other hand, is an incremental update with improvements in health monitoring and deeper integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
Sponsored Protocol
Galaxy Glasses: Samsung's smart glasses make their debut
The most anticipated surprise was the Samsung Galaxy Glasses, the company's first smart glasses. Unlike other similar devices, these lack a display but rely on Android XR and the Gemini assistant to deliver lightweight augmented reality features, similar to Ray-Ban Meta. The idea is to provide a hands-free experience for notifications, navigation, and voice interactions without the bulk of a headset. Although Samsung has not yet released full details, the potential for the wearable market is enormous. For more insights on how AI is transforming the tech landscape, check out our article on OpenAI Admits Its Models Hacked Hugging Face Autonomously.
Sponsored Protocol
Today's event confirms Samsung's strategy of investing across multiple fronts: foldables, wearables, and artificial intelligence. With the launch of new devices, the South Korean giant aims to solidify its leadership in the mobile ecosystem by offering increasingly integrated and innovative solutions. For a comprehensive overview of Samsung's history, visit the Wikipedia page for Samsung.
