Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is just around the corner, taking place on July 22, 2026, at 9AM ET / 6AM PT. The company will host the event in London on an invite-only basis, but fans around the world can watch the livestream from home via Samsung's official website, its YouTube channel, or an embedded player on news sites. This summer's showcase is expected to be packed with new hardware, led by a major redesign of Samsung's foldable phone lineup.
When and where to watch
The Galaxy Unpacked event will begin at 9AM Eastern Time (6AM Pacific) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. London serves as the physical venue, but the livestream will be available on Samsung's official website and its YouTube channel. Many tech news outlets will also embed the stream directly in their coverage, making it easy to follow along in real time. Viewers can expect the presentation to last roughly an hour, covering multiple product categories.
What is expected: Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8
According to leaks from reliable tipster Evan Blass, Samsung will unveil three foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is said to feature a significant redesign, adopting a wider, passport-like shape when folded. This change addresses a long-standing criticism of Samsung's foldables — the narrow outer display. The new form factor should make the phone more usable when closed, while still opening to a generous tablet-sized main screen.
Internally, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Camera specifications include dual 50-megapixel wide and ultra-wide sensors on the rear, along with a 10-megapixel camera on both the cover and main foldable display. Battery life is rumored to reach up to 26 hours of video playback, a notable improvement over previous generations.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will retain the taller, slimmer design of the Z Fold 7 but pack a larger 5,000mAh battery, promising up to 27 hours of video playback. This model is aimed at power users who prioritize battery life and a more traditional phone shape. The Galaxy Z Flip 8, meanwhile, will feature a 4,300mAh battery and an unchanged camera setup: a 10-megapixel front-facing camera, a 50-megapixel wide lens, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. All three phones are expected to ship with One UI 8 based on Android 16, emphasizing AI-powered features and enhanced multitasking.
New wearables: Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9
Samsung's wearable lineup is also due for an update. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, according to leaks, will be 12 percent thinner than its predecessor, a welcome change for users who found the original chunky. It will likely run on the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, offer a larger 800mAh battery, and feature a brighter display capable of 5,000 nits peak brightness. These improvements should result in longer battery life and better outdoor visibility, especially for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The standard Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to retain a familiar design but also adopt the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, bringing better performance and efficiency. Both watches will continue Samsung's focus on health tracking, including advanced sleep analysis, body composition measurement, and ECG monitoring. The Wear OS platform, co-developed with Google, ensures access to a wide range of third-party apps and seamless integration with Android phones.
AI-powered smart glasses
Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is Samsung's entry into the smart glasses market. The company is reportedly developing AI-powered glasses that will launch this fall, with design partnerships from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. During Unpacked, Samsung may offer a preview or demo of the glasses, showcasing how they can overlay information, provide hands-free AI assistance, and capture photos or video. This move positions Samsung to compete with other wearable AI devices, such as Meta's Ray-Ban Stories, and could signal a broader strategy to integrate AI into everyday accessories.
Background: Samsung's foldable journey
Samsung first introduced the foldable smartphone category with the Galaxy Fold in 2019, followed by the Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. Over the years, the company has refined the hinge mechanism, reduced the crease, improved water resistance, and made the devices more durable. The Galaxy Z Fold 8's wider design marks the most dramatic change since the Fold 3. Meanwhile, competitors like Google, OnePlus, and Oppo have launched their own foldables, often at lower prices or with thinner profiles. Samsung's response has been to focus on ecosystem integration, S Pen support, and premium materials.
The Galaxy Z Flip series has been particularly successful, offering a compact clamshell design that appeals to style-conscious users. With the Z Flip 8, Samsung is likely to emphasize improved battery life and camera software, even if the hardware remains similar to the Z Flip 7. The company's wearable ecosystem, including the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds, has also grown steadily, with the Watch Ultra line targeting fitness enthusiasts and the Watch 9 series appealing to the mainstream.
Looking ahead: The Unpacked event in context
The July 2026 Unpacked event takes place amid a rapidly evolving tech landscape. AI features are increasingly central to smartphone experiences, with Samsung's Galaxy AI suite offering real-time translation, photo editing, and productivity tools. The new foldables are expected to integrate these AI capabilities even more deeply. Additionally, the rollout of 5G and satellite connectivity continues to expand, making foldables more practical for communication and productivity on the go.
Samsung's sales of foldable phones have grown year over year, but the market remains a niche compared to traditional slabs. The company hopes that the Z Fold 8's wider form factor will attract users who previously found the phone too narrow or awkward. With the Z Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung caters to those who want the largest battery and best cameras, while the Z Flip 8 offers a more affordable entry point.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 will also face stiff competition from the Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 4, but Samsung benefits from deep integration with its own phones and the broader Wear OS ecosystem. The rumored smart glasses, if announced, could open a new revenue stream and position Samsung as an early mover in AI wearables.
As the event approaches, tech enthusiasts should prepare for a packed lineup. Whether you're interested in the next evolution of foldables, the latest smartwatch tech, or a glimpse of future AI glasses, Samsung's summer Unpacked promises to be one of the biggest product launches of the year. Stay tuned for the livestream on July 22, 2026, at 9AM ET.
Source:The Verge News