Samsung Unpacked 2026: anticipated features of the Z Fold 8

      Samsung has chosen London for its summer showcase, aiming to set expectations for something uniquely folded. However, apart from the date and a teaser, the company has revealed very little else.

      Galaxy Unpacked is set for Tuesday, July 22, at 2 PM BST, and will be live-streamed on Samsung’s website and YouTube, as reported by CNET. The official tagline is “a new shape unfolds.” Everything mentioned thereafter is based on leaks, not official specifications.

      The main attraction: a broader Z Fold 8

      The highlight is the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Leaks indicate a wider, shorter "passport" design, featuring approximately a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, deviating from the tall, narrow design seen in earlier models since 2019.

      The key improvement is the crease. Samsung has hinted at a new hinge named Flex Titanium, which reportedly leads to a much less visible fold line, according to The Gadgeteer. This improvement builds on Samsung’s existing display technology. Internally, expect a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, storage options up to 1TB, and a slightly larger battery.

      Two Folds, and a Flip that may be the last

      The naming scheme is somewhat confusing. Various reports suggest that Samsung will release two book-style foldables this year. The taller, traditional successor might be labeled as Z Fold 8 Ultra, while the wider variant could simply go by the original name. If this is accurate, it would mark the first occasion Samsung has produced two Fold models for different consumers simultaneously.

      The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the more understated update, rumored to include a 4.1-inch cover and a larger battery. However, its significant aspect may be its potential finality. Several reports indicate that this could be Samsung's last clamshell if it consolidates its lineup.

      Watches, and the glasses wild card

      In the realm of wearables, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 takes the lead. Leaks suggest improvements such as a brighter display, a larger battery, dive-ready water resistance, and even dedicated AI silicon on the device. A broader push for Galaxy wearables appears to be in progress.

      The wildcard is a pair of AI glasses. Reports indicate that this long-speculated eyewear will run Google’s Android XR with Gemini integrated, co-designed with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, targeted at competing with Meta’s smart glasses. According to Android Central, an unveiling would still come as a genuine surprise.

      The price concern

      Pricing raises some concerns. Leaked estimates place the standard Fold 8 between $1,899 and $1,999, the Fold 8 Ultra close to $2,099, and the Flip 8 around $1,099, as reported by Digital Trends, with storage options trending higher.

      This aligns with a wider industry uptick. A shortage of memory chips has increased component prices across the board, and Samsung had already raised prices on the Fold models in April. While foldables are improving, they are not becoming more affordable.

      Why the venue is significant

      The chosen location carries weight as well. This is Samsung's first summer Unpacked event in the UK capital, indicating Europe’s importance as a launch platform. It follows a busy week, occurring just days after Samsung rolled out its first US credit card.

      What we anticipate and what Samsung ultimately presents may still not align. On Tuesday, we will see whether the leaks match the specifications.