Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, AI eyewear, and expanded foldable lineup at Galaxy Unpacked

Samsung unveils Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8, Watch Ultra2, and AI eyewear at Galaxy Unpacked

Samsung launched the Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8, Watch Ultra2, Watch9, and AI eyewear at Galaxy Unpacked in London, with pre-orders open now Samsung used its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on Tuesday to launch six products at once, its broadest hardware refresh in years. The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the first time Samsung has brought its Ultra designation to a foldable, alongside a reimagined Z Fold8 with new display proportions, a slimmer Z Flip8, upgraded Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 wearables, and a pair of intelligent eyewear built with fashion brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The Z Fold8 Ultra is the centrepiece. It opens to an eight-inch main display while measuring just over four millimeters thick when unfolded, making it the thinnest Galaxy Z Fold Samsung has ever shipped. It weighs 215 grams and carries a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 5,000mAh battery, all powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. Samsung introduced a new display technology called Flex Titanium across the foldable lineup, combining a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate to reduce crease visibility and improve durability. The hinge mechanism has also been reworked, with refinements to folding magnets, display tension, and edge design that Samsung says make unfolding feel lighter and more natural. The Z Fold8 Ultra starts at $2,099 in the US for the 256GB model, with a one-terabyte option available at a higher price. The standard Z Fold8 has been completely redesigned with new aspect ratios built around content consumption. Its cover screen uses a 10:16 ratio suited to scrolling and short-form video, while the main display unfolds to a 4:3 format designed for gaming and movies. Rotating the device switches to a 3:4 layout optimized for reading, giving the Fold8 three distinct viewing modes from a single screen. At 201 grams, the Z Fold8 is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold to date, and its 4,800mAh battery supports more than 26 hours of video playback according to Samsung. New software features include My FanCam, which uses Galaxy AI to track a selected subject in a video and automatically reframe the footage, and agentic AI capabilities that let Gemini complete multi-step tasks like booking a hotel from a photo while the user continues using other apps. The Z Flip8 is Samsung's thinnest and lightest flip phone yet, measuring just over six millimeters when unfolded and weighing 180 grams. Its biggest change is an expanded FlexWindow that now functions as a full app interface, letting users browse photos, reply to messages, and check AI-generated daily briefings through Now Brief without opening the device. The Flip8 is powered by Samsung's own Exynos 2600 processor rather than Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip, a choice Samsung has made for the flip line in several recent generations. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 targets athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with the brightest display ever put on a smartwatch, reaching 5,000 nits of brightness. Its 800mAh battery offers 35 percent more capacity than its predecessor, and it is the first Galaxy Watch powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. A new Trail Run feature provides real-time elevation data, climbing progress, and hydration guidance based on estimated sweat loss, while EN13319 certification and 10ATM water resistance make it Samsung's first watch rated for diving, with advanced underwater features coming later this year through a partnership with diving brand Mares. The Galaxy Watch9 is built for everyday health monitoring rather than extreme sports. It features an upgraded Sleep Apnea detection backed by a new FDA clearance, an AI algorithm that categorizes breathing disruptions into three severity levels. Samsung Health has been reorganized around five pillars, covering activity, mindfulness, nutrition, sleep, and vitals, and a new Heart Health Score combines multiple biometric signals into a single cardiovascular wellness number. Both watches ship with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9 built on Android 17, and both use the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, a first for the Galaxy Watch lineup. Despite a significantly larger battery, the Watch Ultra2 is 12 percent thinner than its predecessor thanks to an internal redesign, and its bands have been made 26 percent lighter with a new air pocket structure. The most unexpected announcement was Samsung's intelligent eyewear, developed in partnership with Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. Built on the Android XR platform with a Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 processor, the glasses feature a built-in camera, speakers, and microphone, and offer up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge. Gemini provides hands-free AI assistance including live translation, message summaries, and context-aware guidance based on what the wearer is looking at. Two frame designs were shown at Unpacked, a black Gentle Monster edition with a straight upper rim and rounded lower edges, and a brown Warby Parker style with an upswept brow line. Samsung said additional styles and a Display Edition with an in-lens heads-up display would follow, though pricing and exact availability for the eyewear have not been announced. The timing of the launch is significant. Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected in September at a starting price of around $2,000, meaning Samsung now has an eighth-generation foldable on the market before its biggest rival ships its first. Samsung also added cross-platform features to its new devices, including Quick Share compatibility with Apple's AirDrop and a new Smart Switch tool that lets iPhone users transfer data by scanning a QR code without downloading an app. All phones and watches are available for pre-order starting today, with general availability on August 7. The Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 come in Graphite and Cream with exclusive colours through Samsung's website, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 ships in two titanium finishes and the Watch9 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes. New buyers also receive a six-month free trial of Google AI Pro, which includes five terabytes of cloud storage.

[Galaxy Unpacked July 2026] A First Look at Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8

At Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 in London, Samsung Electronics unveiled the eighth-generation Galaxy Z series. Combining agentic AI that understands users with hardware tailored to different lifestyles, the lineup offers three distinct foldable experiences. Samsung Newsroom got an early look at the new devices during Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 -- from Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the first Ultra model in the Galaxy foldable portfolio, to Galaxy Z Fold8 with its all-new form factor and Galaxy Z Flip8 with more intuitive AI on FlexWindow. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Ultra Experience on a Foldable Display Within the Galaxy lineup, the "Ultra" name represents Samsung's highest level of performance and user experience. As the first Ultra model in the Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra pairs ultra-level performance with an expansive foldable display to elevate productivity through AI-powered multitasking. The first thing that stands out is how thin the device is. Unfolding it reveals a spacious 8-inch main display. Measuring 4.1 millimeters thick when unfolded and weighing only 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the thinnest Galaxy Z Fold yet -- making it comfortable to carry and use throughout the day. The display has also been refined to deliver smoother, more comfortable folding. The folding magnets, hinge mechanism and display tension have been precisely optimized, while refinements to the edge design make the device easier to unfold. Samsung's proprietary Flex Titanium technology helps minimize the display crease while enhancing durability. The expansive display also unlocks enhanced AI experiences. Gemini Notebook streamlines the process of organizing meeting materials and notes. Users can upload a PDF of meeting minutes or an audio recording of a presentation to generate a summary of the key points, then transform the same source material into a variety of formats -- including AI-generated videos, presentation slides, podcasts and quizzes. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra truly shines in AI-powered multitasking. Agentic AI anticipates when multitasking is needed, using Now Nudge to open Multi Window at the right moment. For example, Now Nudge can suggest adding dinner plans from a messaging app to the calendar and open the Calendar app in Multi Window. Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and a 5,000mAh battery support Galaxy AI experiences and seamless multitasking on the expansive display. Galaxy Z Fold8: A Foldable, Reimagined Redesigned with an all-new form factor, Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces an aspect ratio optimized for a wide range of content. Unfolding the device expands the display to a 4:3 aspect ratio, ideal for watching movies or playing games. Rotating the device switches to a 3:4 aspect ratio that feels more natural for reading e-books or browsing the web. The cover screen's 10:16 aspect ratio also provides a familiar experience for browsing short-form content. A 4,800mAh battery supports more than 26 hours of video playback. Weighing just 201 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet and remains comfortable to hold -- even during extended viewing sessions. Galaxy Z Fold8 goes beyond content consumption with tools for creating and editing. The device also delivers a more advanced agentic AI experience. For example, if a user shares a photo of the Eiffel Tower with Gemini and asks it to book a nearby hotel, the AI agent finds accommodations that match the specified criteria -- even while they continue using other apps. Afterward, they can simply review the recommendations and approve only the actions that require confirmation, saving time and effort. Galaxy Z Flip8: More Without Unfolding Galaxy Z Flip8 makes a strong first impression with its thin, lightweight design. Measuring 6.1 millimeters thick when unfolded and weighing only 180 grams, it offers excellent portability. A stronger frame and a more durable hinge made with a new high-strength material improve durability while maintaining the device's slim profile. One of Galaxy Z Flip8's biggest upgrades is its more versatile FlexWindow. Users can check important information and access their favorite features without unfolding the device. Another highlight is Galaxy AI's Now Brief. From FlexWindow, users can instantly see the day's weather, schedule and important notifications. Everyday information such as exchange rates and stock updates is organized into personalized cards, making it easy to stay on top of the day. App functionality also extends to FlexWindow. Without unfolding the device, users can browse photos in the Gallery app, chat with friends through messaging apps and quickly complete tasks. More than a hub for notifications and widgets, FlexWindow has evolved into a gateway to more of what Galaxy has to offer. The camera experience has also been refined to better complement the Galaxy Z Flip form factor. Camcorder Grip -- exclusive to the Galaxy Z Flip series -- enables stable one-handed recording, while Super Steady's horizontal lock helps keep footage smooth and level, even on the move. Dual Recording captures both the creator and the subject in the same video, perfect for vlogs and social media challenges. Opening the Camera app displays the creator's view at the top of the screen and the subject's view below, allowing both perspectives to be recorded simultaneously. A live preview is also available on the cover screen, so both can see the shot while filming. From AI-powered productivity on a large display to optimized content viewing and everyday convenience without unfolding, the eighth-generation Galaxy Z series expands the possibilities of foldables. Designed to suit a wide range of needs, the latest Galaxy foldables offer users more ways to choose the mobile experience that suits them.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra first look | TechPulse

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, its most premium foldable smartphone yet and also the thinnest. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy it brings camera upgrades, a refined design, improved battery life and the latest Galaxy AI features with Gemini.In this hands-on video from Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in London, we take a closer look at everything that's new on Samsung's flagship foldable.The Economic Times is on the ground in London covering Galaxy Unpacked 2026. Follow us for more hands-on videos, exclusive interviews and all the biggest announcements from Samsung.

Samsung Introduces Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 with Advanced AI Features

Samsung Unpacked announced that its Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, Snapdragon Wear™ Elite Platform and Snapdragon® AR1 Gen 1 will power Samsung's newest devices - including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung Galaxy Watch9, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and the new Intelligent Eyewear. A Connected Galaxy Ecosystem Powered by Snapdragon Snapdragon is the foundation of the new Galaxy devices enabling a unified AI experience across smartphones, wearables, and intelligent eyewear. By delivering powerful on-device processing and enhanced cross-device connectivity, Snapdragon provides experiences that are consistent, contextually aware, and increasingly autonomous, adapting in real time to how users live, work, and create. "We're entering a new age of AI, where intelligence is built into the personal devices people rely on throughout the day," said Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. "With Snapdragon powering the latest Galaxy smartphones, watches, and intelligent eyewear, Qualcomm and Samsung are enabling more natural, context-aware AI across the Galaxy ecosystem. We're proud to build on nearly 30 years of innovation as we help define the next generation of mobile experiences." "The new Galaxy lineup is the result of close engineering collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies," said Won-joon Choi, President and Chief Operating Officer of MX Business, Samsung Electronics. "We optimized Snapdragon platforms together for each Galaxy form factor, securing the performance and efficiency that Galaxy AI experiences are built on. That foundation is what allows users to move across smartphones, watches, and eyewear with one consistent, premium Galaxy experience." Advanced Mobile Performance for Galaxy AI The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy powers the next wave of Galaxy AI experiences across Samsung's latest foldable smartphones. Built on the Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, the world's fastest mobile CPU, it delivers industry-leading performance, and exceptional responsiveness, all while maintaining outstanding power efficiency. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy enables more advanced, real-time AI experiences, from intelligent camera capabilities and immersive gaming to AI-enhanced connectivity, bringing faster, smarter, and more personalized interactions to the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8. Personal AI is Here As part of broader Personal AI experiences, watches act as always‑on companions, continuously capturing signals to power more personalized, context aware experiences. They work easily across a connected ecosystem of devices to deliver more intuitive, continuous interactions. Announced at Mobile World Congress (MWC), Snapdragon Wear Elite brings advanced sensor fusion, high-performance and superior connectivity to Samsung Galaxy Watch9, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 enabling them to continuously understand user context throughout the day and deliver more proactive, personalized health insights and guidance. Intelligent Eyewear, Powered by Snapdragon Qualcomm Technologies, Samsung, and Google are expanding their collaboration on Android XR beyond Galaxy XR headsets into intelligent eyewear, powered by Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1. At Samsung Unpacked, Gentle Monster & Warby Parker unveiled two additional designs as part of larger collections coming this fall, all built on Snapdragon to deliver the performance required for more contextual and helpful experiences. This growing range of designs reflects increasing momentum in the category and gives people more ways to experience intelligent eyewear, starting this fall. Snapdragon powers the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung Galaxy Watch9, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 globally. Snapdragon powers Galaxy Z Flip8 in select regions. Snapdragon, Snapdragon Wear, Qualcomm and Qualcomm Oryon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event: What All Happened

Samsung expanded its premium device lineup at the in London by introducing the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Galaxy Watch 9, and AI powered smart glasses. The launch highlighted Samsung's strategy to strengthen its foldable ecosystem before competition in the premium foldable market increases later this year. The company focused on wider foldables, smarter wearables, and deeper across devices. Samsung also confirmed One UI 9 based on Android 17, bringing new productivity, health, and personalization features throughout its latest hardware lineup.