Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 launch live: latest news on Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Glasses
Samsung Unpacked is here, and we are covering everything that's launching from the event!
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is IN JUST A FEW HOURS starting at 9am EST!! Managing Editor Derrek Lee is in the U.K. for the event and is ready to report on all things foldables, watches, and everything else that is about to launch!
In the past, the company has hosted events in the U.S. and South Korea, but now, nearly 14 years after the Galaxy S3 event, Samsung is bringing its launch event back to London, England.
When and what time is Samsung Unpacked?
The event is today, July 22nd, and it starts at 9am EST (New York time)...in the U.K. the time will be 2pm BST.
What to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?
- We are expecting a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 in a passport-like design that's shorter and wider. This is a switch-up from what Samsung's done in the past. Likely will be a competitor to whatever foldable Apple launches. , which will reportedly go head-to-head against Apple's foldable iPhone.
- We are also expecting the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. We're not sure why Samsung is shuffling things around, but we'll certainly be asking around at the event.
- For watches, expect to see the rumored Galaxy Watch 9, AND interestingly, we might get a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
- BIG BIG NEWS: We are also expecting news around Samsung's AI glasses too!!
What's the best way to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?
There are three ways to watch Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event live. You can tune in via Samsung's official websites, including Samsung.com and Samsung Newsroom.
Perhaps the easiest way to watch the event is on YouTube. Head to Samsung's official YouTube channel and tap the Notify Me button to be reminded when the event is about to start. Or you can just do it from the video link below.
One thing Samsung does great is accessories. The company is great at launching a bevy of cases, screen protectors, and bands for its devices, and I expect the same treatment for the foldables and watches. It’s likely there will be a selection of magnetic cases available since we don’t expect any of the devices to feature built-in Qi2 magnets.
We’ll be sure to highlight some of the best ones we find when the devices launch so you can pair your new purchase with some much-needed protection.
I love flip phones, so I would’ve loved to see Samsung bring back another better Galaxy Z Flip FE, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case.
To be honest, it makes sense, as book-style foldables have been on the rise and have overtaken flip phones in sales volume. That seems to be why Samsung is set to offer two Fold variants this time around; to hopefully appeal to more people.
Will it work?
Samsung is seeing increased demand for its foldables, and not just in the U.S. These devices have been around for well over seven years now, and the tech has matured to a point where its mainstream. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had a lot to do with this, as the thinner and lighter design made it that much more enticing an upgrade if you're using a Galaxy S device.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 should take center stage at the event, and it's exciting for a lot of reasons. A shorter and wider foldable makes it easier to consume content, and it looks like Samsung is leaning heavily into this, if leaked marketing is anything to go by. Of course, a smaller foldable is also easier to hold and use, and if you've used a Surface Duo or the Find N2 in the past, you should be excited about the Z Fold 8.
I'm so excited to be here, and London is looking great! Like I said, we are just a few hours away from the event and there's so much going on. I landed here on Sunday, but we've been in briefings all week.
There are a LOOOOT of exciting things happening and I can't wait to share it all at 9am ET when the event starts!!
What am I most excited to see at Unpacked? I’m really curious about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its new wide aspect ratio.
I really want to see how apps look on the external display and how it handles multitasking on the internal folding screen, because frankly, I’m not convinced that this is an optimal design for a foldable phone. It feels like Samsung is trying to replicate the Galaxy Z TriFold's internal aspect ratio, but it comes off as an awkward attempt. Idk, I guess we’ll see when it's announced and I get my hands on it.
We’re reaching the final countdown! Samsung’s Unpacked event is just hours away, and I’m currently on the ground in London to experience it all in real-time. Be sure to tune in at 9 a.m.ET to watch the event and keep this tab open for our play-by-play and real-time thoughts on Samsung’s new devices and announcements!
I'll send over more pictures from the event, but for now, here's a shot of the event location from last year!!
