Samsung Electronics is set to showcase a range of innovations, from foldable phones with new aspect ratios to smart glasses, leading the charge into the AI era. The company aims to set new standards for personalized and optimized mobile experiences.
According to industry sources, Samsung will hold its 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event on July 22 at 2 p.m. local time in London (10 p.m. KST). The event will feature the Galaxy Z series, including the wide-format 'Galaxy Z Fold 8' with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra' maintaining the existing 3:2 ratio, and the 'Galaxy Z Flip 8.' Additionally, the company will unveil enhanced wearable products like the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which focus on health features. Samsung and Google will also present AI smart glasses developed in collaboration.
The standout product is the 'Galaxy Z Fold 8,' which introduces a wide fold design that reduces vertical length while increasing horizontal width. This 'passport-style' foldable phone is expected to enhance video viewing, document editing, and multitasking capabilities. The existing fold design will be rebranded as the high-performance 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.'
The Ultra model will feature upgraded camera and AI capabilities. The standard version is expected to include a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, while the Ultra will boast a top-tier 200-megapixel wide-angle camera and on-device AI functionality. However, due to high specifications and rising memory costs, price increases are anticipated, with the Fold 8 estimated at around $1,899 and the Fold 8 Ultra at approximately $2,099.
Samsung has also made significant improvements to the foldable's most notable weakness: screen creasing. The newly introduced 'Flex Titanium' technology combines titanium alloy film with reinforced titanium plates, creating a unique dual structure that enhances durability while reducing weight and thickness, thereby improving both screen creasing and overall durability.
The 'Galaxy Z Flip 8' focuses on practical usability rather than design changes. It enhances the functionality of the external cover display, allowing users to access Google Gemini, check schedules, control the camera, and run widgets without opening the device. The weight is expected to be lighter than its predecessor, with improved battery efficiency and reduced screen creasing.
Wearables are also evolving with an AI focus. The 'Galaxy Watch 9' and 'Galaxy Watch Ultra 2' will go beyond merely recording health data, as AI will analyze users' physical conditions and suggest exercise and rest routines, acting as an 'AI health coach.' They will analyze heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to detect bodily changes and provide personalized health management based on daily activity levels.
Another highlight of this Unpacked event will be the 'smart glasses.' Samsung is likely to unveil AI glasses developed in collaboration with Google. Expected to weigh around 50 grams, similar to regular glasses, they will feature a 12-megapixel camera and Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 platform, along with Google Gemini. The AI will recognize scenes in real-time, providing navigation, foreign language translation, voice commands, and photo capture, creating a new AI interface. A formal release is anticipated this fall.
Through this Unpacked event, Samsung aims to lead innovation in the ecosystem of AI devices, spanning smartphones, watches, and smart glasses.
Noh Tae-moon, head of Samsung Electronics' DX division, recently stated, "The new form factors from foldables to smart glasses will expand the touchpoints where AI meets users," hinting at a new hardware strategy for the AI era.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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