Samsung launched its newest generation of foldable devices and wearables during the Galaxy Unpacked keynote event in London on July 22 [1].

The event marks a critical moment for the company as it attempts to maintain its lead in the foldable market against growing global competition. By expanding its hardware lineup, Samsung aims to solidify the foldable form factor as the primary standard for premium smartphones.

The keynote began at 9 a.m. ET [2], showcasing a series of hardware updates designed to push the boundaries of mobile productivity. The centerpieces of the presentation were the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 [3].

In a move to target the ultra-premium segment, Samsung also introduced the Fold 8 Ultra [3]. This new addition to the family suggests a strategy of diversifying the foldable line to capture different price points and user needs, ranging from casual users to power users who require maximum screen real estate.

Beyond smartphones, the company expanded its ecosystem of wearables. Samsung announced the Watch 9, continuing its iteration of the Galaxy Watch series [3]. The company also debuted new smart glasses [3], signaling a push into augmented reality and head-mounted displays.

The event took place in London, United Kingdom [1]. While some streaming platforms provided access via New York hubs, the physical keynote was hosted in the UK capital to reach a global audience [1].

Samsung executives said the devices are the next step in the evolution of the Galaxy brand. The company focused on the integration of these new devices into a single, cohesive ecosystem where the smart glasses, and watches complement the functionality of the Z Fold and Z Flip series [3].

Samsung launched its newest generation of foldable devices and wearables during the Galaxy Unpacked keynote event in London.

The introduction of the Fold 8 Ultra and smart glasses indicates that Samsung is moving beyond simple iterations of existing hardware. By diversifying its foldable offerings and entering the smart glasses market, the company is attempting to hedge its bets against a stagnating traditional smartphone market and the rise of AI-driven wearable hardware.