Samsung hosts Galaxy Unpacked 2026 to unveil new foldables and devices

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event took place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with conflicting reports about its location. While some sources, including geeky-gadgets.com, stated the event was hosted in New York City, others, such as mashable.com and t3.com, indicated it occurred in London. The event began at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (6:00 a.m. Pacific Time) and was live-streamed globally, emphasizing accessibility and audience engagement through interactive features and real-time updates.

The primary focus of the event was Samsung’s foldable smartphones, which have become a cornerstone of the company’s product strategy. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, described as a wider, book-style foldable, was positioned as a direct competitor to the upcoming Apple iPhone Ultra. Its 5.4-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner display, featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio, aimed to offer a tablet-like experience when unfolded. The Z Fold 8 Ultra, a premium variant, was highlighted for its alleged “crease-less” display, a significant advancement in foldable technology. An image shared by a leaker, comparing the Z Fold 8 Ultra to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7, suggested a marked reduction in the visible crease, though the authenticity of the image remained unverified.

Price increases were a recurring theme across multiple reports. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was rumored to start at $2,099, a $100 rise from the Z Fold 7, while the Z Fold 8 Wide model was expected to begin at $1,899.99. The Z Flip 8 was also anticipated to see a $100 price hike, reflecting broader industry trends driven by supply chain challenges and the global memory crisis. Samsung’s decision to raise prices aligned with similar moves by competitors like Motorola, signaling a shift in consumer expectations for premium foldable devices.

Another anticipated announcement was the Galaxy Z Flip 8, a more compact flip phone-style foldable. While largely similar to its predecessor, the Z Flip 8 was expected to feature a more durable hinge and a less visible crease. Rumors suggested it might use a new Samsung Exynos 2600 processor, though this remained unconfirmed. The event also teased the possibility of Samsung’s long-rumored smart glasses, potentially named Galaxy Glasses. These devices were said to integrate an AI assistant powered by Google Gemini, offering real-time information through on-board cameras, though they would not include augmented reality features. However, no official confirmation of their launch was provided in the sources.

In addition to foldables, Samsung highlighted updates to its Galaxy Watch line. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 were expected to see incremental improvements, including enhanced health-tracking features and design refinements. Notably, the Galaxy Watch Classic was reportedly skipped in favor of a streamlined lineup, with only a base model and a premium variant available. The company also emphasized advancements in its AI-driven health applications, reflecting its broader commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into everyday devices.

The event’s live-streaming format allowed global audiences to participate in real time, with Samsung providing pre-order links immediately after the announcements. Interactive elements, such as live polls and social media integration, were designed to foster engagement, transforming the event into a participatory experience. Multiple outlets, including mashable.com and t3.com, provided live coverage, offering insights into the expected announcements and technical specifications of the new devices.

While the primary focus was on foldables and wearables, the event also served as a platform for Samsung to reinforce its position in the competitive smartphone market. The timing of the launch, just months before Apple’s anticipated iPhone Ultra release, underscored the company’s strategic push to maintain its edge in the foldable segment. Despite some discrepancies in reporting—such as conflicting details about the event’s location (New York City vs. London)—the overarching narrative revolved around innovation, accessibility, and the continued evolution of Samsung’s product ecosystem.