Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is just around the corner, and the company is expected to take the wraps off a bunch of new devices. Based on the rumors and leaks we’ve seen so far, Samsung’s next generation of foldables will likely be the stars of the show. Samsung is expected to show off a big redesign for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, though we can’t rule out a few other surprises.

Here’s what you need to know about watching Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked and what to expect.

When is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?

This year’s Galaxy Unpacked takes place on July 22nd at 9AM ET / 6AM PT. Samsung is holding the event in London on an invite-only basis.

Where can I watch Galaxy Unpacked?

There are a couple of places you can watch Galaxy Unpacked from home: on Samsung’s website or on its YouTube channel. You can also follow along with the livestream embedded in this article.

What to expect

Galaxy Z Fold 8: A wider, passport-like design

Samsung has teased adding a “new shape” for its foldable phone lineup, which is expected to be a wider Galaxy Z Fold 8. Leaker Evan Blass shared several images of what appears to be the upcoming device. It features a passport-like form factor when folded shut, but opens to an extended display. The leaked materials suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, dual 50MP wide and ultra-wide cameras on its rear, along with a 10MP camera on its cover and main screen. It may also offer up to 26 hours of video playback.

According to Blass’s leak, Samsung will also have a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra that retains the Z Fold 7’s slim and tall design, but with an upgraded 5,000mAh battery promising up to 27 hours of video playback. The rumored Galaxy Z Flip 8 also showed up in the leaked materials, seemingly offering a 4,300mAh battery and an unchanged camera setup with a 10MP front-facing camera as well as 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lenses on the back.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9

Samsung is expected to reveal some new wearables as well, including a new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Another leak from Blass suggests the watch will be 12 percent thinner than the previous generation and come with several other upgrades, including a Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, a larger 800mAh battery, and a brighter display of up to 5,000 nits. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9 is rumored to launch with a familiar design and the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, too.

AI-powered smart glasses

Lastly, we might get more information about Samsung’s upcoming AI-powered smart glasses. The devices are expected to launch this fall with designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, but maybe Samsung will toss in a demo during this week’s Unpacked.

Background: Samsung’s foldable journey

Samsung first entered the foldable phone market in 2019 with the Galaxy Fold, a device that faced initial durability issues but eventually set the stage for a new category. Since then, the company has iterated annually, refining hinge designs, display technology, and software optimization. The Galaxy Z Fold series has evolved from a niche experiment to a mainstream flagship, competing directly with the likes of the Google Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, and Huawei Mate X series. Samsung's leadership in the foldable space is underscored by its market share: according to IDC, Samsung accounted for over 60% of global foldable shipments in 2025, despite increasing competition.

The rumored redesign for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is particularly significant. For years, users have complained about the narrow cover display, which made one-handed typing and app usage cumbersome. By adopting a wider, passport-like form factor, Samsung appears to be addressing this pain point head-on. This change could bring the Fold closer to the usability of a standard slab phone while maintaining the expansive inner screen. Industry observers note that this shift mirrors the trajectory of the original Galaxy Fold's evolution: the Fold 2 introduced a larger cover display, and the Fold 3 added S Pen support. The Fold 8's wider design could be the most dramatic physical change since the first generation.

In parallel, the Galaxy Z Flip series has also seen iterative improvements, focusing on battery life, camera quality, and durability. The Z Flip 8's rumored 4,300mAh battery would be a notable upgrade from the Z Flip 7's 3,700mAh cell, addressing one of the main criticisms of clamshell foldables. Additionally, Samsung's decision to keep the dual-camera setup unchanged suggests that the company believes the current hardware is sufficient, focusing instead on software enhancements and AI-driven photography.

Wearables: Thinner, brighter, and more powerful

Samsung's wearable lineup has also been a key part of its ecosystem, with the Galaxy Watch series competing directly with the Apple Watch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, if the leaks hold, would be a significant update. A 12% thinner chassis is no small feat: the original Watch Ultra was already a bulky device, and reducing thickness while maintaining durability is a engineering challenge. The Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, a custom chip designed specifically for wearables, promises better performance and efficiency. The 800mAh battery would be a substantial increase from the Watch Ultra's 590mAh, potentially enabling multi-day usage even with always-on display. And a 5,000-nit display would be among the brightest on any smartwatch, improving outdoor visibility.

The Galaxy Watch 9, meanwhile, appears to be a more conservative upgrade. Retaining the same design language as the Watch 8, the focus is on internal improvements. The Snapdragon Wear Elite chip would bring smoother performance and better battery life. Samsung is also expected to introduce new health sensors, such as a non-invasive glucose monitor, though this has not been confirmed by leaks. The company has been investing heavily in health technology, including partnerships with medical institutions and AI-driven health analytics.

Smart glasses: The next frontier

Perhaps the most intriguing product category is Samsung's AI-powered smart glasses. While the company has dabbled in augmented reality with the Galaxy Gear VR and later the Galaxy VR headset, smart glasses represent a new push into everyday wearables. The partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster suggests Samsung is aiming for fashionable designs that appeal to mainstream consumers, rather than bulky, tech-centric headsets. The glasses are expected to include a camera, speakers, and AI assistant integration, possibly powered by Samsung's own generative AI models. The 2026 Unpacked event may offer a glimpse of the software and user experience, even if the product doesn't launch until later in the fall.

The smart glasses market is still nascent, with Meta's Ray-Ban Stories and Amazon's Echo Frames serving as early attempts. Samsung's entry could accelerate adoption if the glasses offer compelling functionality and stylish design. Industry analysts predict that augmented reality glasses will eventually replace smartphones as the primary computing interface, and Samsung's move positions it to compete in that future landscape.

How to watch and follow live updates

For those unable to attend in person, Samsung will stream the event live on its official website and YouTube channel. The Verge will also have a dedicated livestream embedded in this article and will provide real-time updates throughout the event. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit will likely be buzzing with live commentary and leaked images. To get the best experience, ensure a stable internet connection and consider following along with fellow enthusiasts in online communities.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked events have become major milestones in the tech calendar, often setting the tone for the rest of the year's product launches. The July 2026 event promises to be no different, with a strong emphasis on hardware innovation and ecosystem integration. Whether you're a die-hard Samsung fan or simply curious about the future of mobile technology, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Source:The Verge News