Samsung unveils new foldables and watches at Unpacked in London
Samsung has debuted its latest foldable lineup featuring the passport-shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the AI-focused Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9. The new hardware suite centers on refined display architectures and advanced AI-driven health monitoring.
Samsung officially unveiled its latest mobile hardware today, July 22, 2026, at an invite-only Unpacked event in London. The company introduced a major shift in its foldable strategy, debuting a "passport-shaped" Galaxy Z Fold 8 alongside the taller Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and a refreshed Galaxy Z Flip 8. The hardware reveal also included two new wearables, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9, both emphasizing AI-driven health insights.
Foldable Redesign: Passport vs. Ultra
The most significant shift in the foldable lineup is the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which features a wider, squatter 4:3 aspect ratio when opened. According to reporting from Gadgetguy, this design is intended to improve the usability of split-screen multitasking and media consumption. While the Z Fold 8 Ultra retains a taller, slimmer 10.5:10 internal aspect ratio better suited for vertical social media feeds, the standard Z Fold 8 allows for a larger, more efficient display area for video playback by reducing letterboxing.
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All new foldable models now incorporate "Flex Titanium" display architecture. As noted during the presentation by Samsung UK Product Manager Kadesh Beckford, this technology embeds a titanium-alloy film and plate directly into the assembly beneath the OLED panel. Samsung claims this provides 20 times greater mechanical stiffness than previous polymer films, which helps maintain a sturdier, flatter surface and reduces the visibility of the central hinge crease.
Hardware Specifications
- Galaxy Z Fold 8: Features the 4:3 internal display and 16:10 outer screen.
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Retains the tall form factor of its predecessor but includes a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W charging, which Samsung claims reaches 67% capacity in 30 minutes. It features a 200MP primary camera.
- Galaxy Z Flip 8: The device remains the thinnest in the series and now allows for full application access on its cover display.
Internally, the new foldables are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, according to Livemint, though T3 noted uncertainty regarding whether the Z Flip 8 utilizes this chip or proprietary Exynos hardware.
Wearables and AI Health Integration
Samsung is positioning the new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 as "health companions" rather than simple notification trackers. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is designed for high-intensity use, featuring a 5,000-nit display and an 800mAh battery. It carries IP69K and 10ATM certifications, alongside specific diving capabilities, including an upcoming app developed with diving specialist Mares.
The Galaxy Watch 9 focuses on continuous health tracking, utilizing a 390mAh battery and a 3,000-nit display. Both watches utilize the Snapdragon Wear Elite Platform and share a suite of AI-powered health tools, such as sleep apnea tracking and Vitals monitoring, which analyze biometric data to provide actionable advice rather than raw statistics.
Comparison Summary
| Device | Key Focus | Display/Battery Note |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Content/Multitasking | 4:3 "Passport" shape |
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | Feeds/Vertical apps | 5,000mAh, 200MP camera |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | Outdoor/Athletes | 5,000 nits, 800mAh |
| Galaxy Watch 9 | Wellness/Daily wear | 3,000 nits, Sleep/Vitals focus |
What to Watch Next
Following today’s event, users can expect the following developments:
- Retail Availability: Consumers are currently able to register for pre-order benefits on Samsung's official channels.
- AI Smart Glasses: While today’s event focused on foldables and wearables, the company teased upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, expected to feature designs from brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster later this year.
- Software Updates: All new devices operate on One UI built over Android 17.
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