A wider Galaxy Z Fold 8
At last year's Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7, widely regarded as the most polished foldable phone the company had produced. It refined the narrow cover display and improved the inner screen crease, but some users still found the tall, slender design awkward for daily use. Now, fresh leaks suggest Samsung is preparing a radical shift for the Z Fold 8. Instead of one model, the company may introduce two distinct versions: a wider standard Fold and an Ultra variant that retains the traditional aspect ratio.
The wider model is generating the most buzz. Leaks indicate it will feature a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded and a 5.4-inch outer screen, compared to the Z Fold 7's 7.6-inch inner and 6.3-inch outer. The outer display is also expected to be wider, making the phone feel more like a standard smartphone when closed. This design closely mimics the first-generation Google Pixel Fold, which won praise for its compact, usable cover screen. Interestingly, industry insiders note that this shape aligns with what Apple is reportedly planning for its own foldable iPhone, expected in 2027. The timing raises questions about whether Samsung is preemptively responding to Apple's entry into the foldable market.
If Samsung positions this wider model as the main Galaxy Z Fold 8, it could be a bold move that redefines the foldable flagship for the next generation. Early rumors suggested it might be a separate 'Special Edition,' but recent leaks point to it becoming the standard. Alongside the form factor change, the wider Z Fold 8 is expected to have only two rear cameras, down from the three on the current Fold line. This could be a cost-cutting measure or a design decision to accommodate the new hinge mechanism.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
On the other end of the spectrum, the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra would carry forward the design language of the Z Fold 7, but with significant upgrades. According to leaks, the Ultra model will have a less visible display crease, thanks to a new hinge technology. It is also expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 200-megapixel main camera, and support for 45W fast charging, a notable improvement over the 25W charging on previous models.
The Ultra naming is interesting, as it mirrors the rumored 'iPhone Ultra' for Apple's foldable. Samsung may be trying to create a premium tier that justifies a higher price point. With memory prices rising due to AI data center demand, the Z Fold 8 series could see a price increase beyond the current $2,000. The Ultra branding could help consumers accept that premium price by associating the device with top-tier features. However, if the upgrades are mostly incremental—faster processor, better camera, and a slightly improved crease—the 'Ultra' label might be seen as marketing fluff rather than a genuine leap forward.
It remains to be seen whether the Ultra model will be a separate device or essentially a renamed Z Fold 8 with all the best specifications. The dual-Fold strategy is reminiscent of Samsung's approach with the Galaxy S series, offering a standard and an Ultra variant to cater to different budgets and preferences. This could help Samsung compete against rivals like Google, which offers a single foldable model, and Huawei, which pushes the boundaries with tri-folds.
Galaxy Z Flip 8
The clamshell foldable market is also due for an update with the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Leaks suggest a new hinge design that reduces the display crease and shaves off a few grams, bringing the weight down to 180g from the Flip 7's 188g. The inner display remains 6.9 inches, and the cover screen stays at 4.1 inches. After using an Exynos chip in the Flip 7, Samsung is expected to return to Qualcomm with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
While these are welcome improvements, the Flip 8 might struggle to excite buyers if the price increases. Rumors point to a RAMageddon-driven cost hike, which could push the Flip further away from budget-conscious consumers. The Z Flip line has been a key driver of foldable adoption due to its lower price point, but if the Flip 8 offers only minor upgrades and a higher price, it could dampen sales. Some analysts have even speculated that Samsung might discontinue the Flip series after this generation, focusing solely on the Fold line. However, the Flip remains popular in markets like South Korea and Europe, so a discontinuation seems unlikely in the short term.
Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2
Samsung's wearable lineup is also expected to get a refresh. The Galaxy Watch 9 will likely feature a new case color and new band options, along with the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor for improved performance and battery life. Software-wise, new health tracking features are rumored, possibly including advanced sleep analysis, blood glucose monitoring, or enhanced stress detection.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, will reportedly adopt a boxier design with thinner bezels and number markings, along with more muted accent colors on the side buttons. This subtle redesign could make it more rugged and easier to read in direct sunlight. However, there is disappointing news for fans of the rotating bezel: the Galaxy Watch Classic is expected to be skipped this year. The Classic's mechanical bezel was a defining feature, but Samsung seems to be consolidating its wearable line around the standard and Ultra models.
Android XR glasses
Perhaps the most intriguing product expected at the Unpacked event is not a phone or a watch, but a pair of smart glasses. Samsung and Google first teased their Android XR smart glasses at Google I/O 2026. The first model is an audio-first pair developed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. These glasses will feature an always-on Gemini voice assistant and cameras for contextual AI, similar to Meta's Ray-Ban Stories but with deeper integration into Google's ecosystem.
Google stated that the audio glasses would ship in fall 2026, so a full launch at Unpacked is unlikely. However, Samsung could use the event to reveal pricing, a specific release date, and additional features. A second model with a built-in display is slated for 2027, but the first version will test the market's appetite for AI-enhanced eyewear. The inclusion of cameras has raised privacy concerns, but Google and Samsung will likely emphasize opt-in controls and transparency. If successful, these glasses could become a new product category for Samsung, competing directly with Meta and possibly Apple's future AR glasses.
Source:Engadget News