According to the latest rumors, Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026. The South Korean tech giant is expected to unveil new foldable devices, smartwatches, and possibly a first look at Android XR smart glasses. Following the success of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, this year's lineup may see a significant restructuring.
Wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 and an Ultra model with top-tier specs
Leaks suggest Samsung could launch two variants of its flagship foldable. One, likely called the Galaxy Z Fold 8, would feature a wider form factor, abandoning the narrow outer screen for a 5.4-inch panel when closed and a 7.8-inch inner display. This shape resembles Google's first Pixel Fold and may be an early response to Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone. The other variant, dubbed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, would retain traditional dimensions but offer a 200-megapixel main camera, a less visible crease, and 45W fast charging. However, the price could exceed $2,000 due to rising component costs, similar to the chip market situation where Apple's requests for chip purchases highlight global semiconductor shortages.
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Galaxy Z Flip 8: improved hinge and lighter weight to compete
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 promises a lighter design, dropping to 180 grams from the Flip 7's 188 grams, thanks to a new hinge that reduces the display crease. The processor is expected to return to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, dropping last year's Exynos. However, the changes appear incremental, and if prices rise due to RAM inflation, many users may find it hard to justify an upgrade. Some rumors even suggest Samsung might discontinue the Flip line after this generation.
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Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2: gradual but substantial updates
The Galaxy Watch series will receive incremental updates. The Galaxy Watch 9 will offer new colors and bands, plus the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and new health-tracking features. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will adopt a boxier design with thinner bezels featuring number markings and more muted button accents. The Classic model with a rotating bezel may not be updated this year.
Android XR glasses: a tease at Unpacked, launch in fall
One of the most anticipated announcements is the smart glasses developed with Google. Based on Android XR, they were previewed at Google I/O 2026. The first model, made with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, integrates the Gemini voice assistant and cameras for contextual AI, similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. Samsung might reveal pricing and a release date during Unpacked, though availability is expected in fall 2026. A second model with a built-in display is slated for 2027. For more on the history of Samsung's events, check the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Wikipedia page.
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Source: https://www.engadget.com/2202726/foldables-watches-and-glasses-could-be-on-the-way
