Samsung is set to unveil two new foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8, at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026. This marks a departure from previous years, as Samsung will launch two book-style foldables simultaneously. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retains the tall, traditional foldable design of its predecessor but features a larger battery, faster charging, and significant camera improvements. According to leaks, it will have a 4.5mm unfolded thickness, though some sources suggest 4.1mm, and it will weigh 215g, matching the Z Fold 7. It will carry an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, an aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover display. The device is expected to support 25W fast charging and 15W or higher wireless charging, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor will be included, but S Pen support is expected to be discontinued, following the removal of the digitizer in earlier models.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 introduces a new form factor, with a shorter, wider body and a 4:3 inner display ratio, positioning it closer to a small tablet than a conventional phone. Alongside the two Fold models, Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Watch 9 series, and its first wearable audio glasses—Galaxy Glasses—developed with Gentle Monster and powered by Gemini AI. The move to London for the summer launch is seen as a strategic play in a key premium market ahead of Apple's anticipated foldable release. Apple's foldable iPhone, expected in September 2026, is projected to launch at over $2,000 and ship between 3 to 5 million units in its first year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Samsung's earlier July launch gives its new foldables a two-month head start in availability, reviews, and promotions. Pre-orders for the new Samsung devices are expected to open the same day as the announcement, with retail availability likely in early August 2026. Reports from Korea Economic TV, Android Police, SamMobile, and others have confirmed the event date, though Samsung has not yet issued an official media advisory as of mid-June 2026.
Samsung is pushing two foldables at once, not because the market demands both, but to flood the zone before Apple arrives. The Z Fold 8's 4:3 design mimics the very form factor Apple is rumored to adopt, suggesting Samsung is copying its own future competitor. Dropping S Pen support while increasing weight despite a larger battery reveals a shift away from productivity toward media consumption. This isn't innovation—it's pre-emptive positioning.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
