Samsung Electronics announced a new lineup of AI-enhanced foldable phones, smartwatches, and smart glasses during its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 23, 2026 [1, 2].
The product launch signals Samsung's push to integrate artificial intelligence across its entire hardware ecosystem to maintain a lead in the premium mobile market.
The company introduced three foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Z Flip 8 [1]. These devices feature silicon-carbon batteries across the entire foldable lineup [1]. While some reports focused on the standard models, others highlighted the addition of the Ultra variant to the series [1].
Beyond phones, Samsung revealed two new wearables: the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2 [1]. These devices are designed to work in tandem with the company's updated AI software to provide deeper health and productivity insights.
A primary highlight of the event was the debut of Samsung's first AI-powered smart glasses. To ensure the eyewear appealed to a broader consumer base, Samsung partnered with design firms Gentle Monster and Warby Parker [5]. The glasses are intended to blend traditional fashion with AI functionality, allowing users to interact with the Samsung ecosystem without relying solely on a handheld screen.
The event took place in the United Kingdom, marking a strategic choice of venue for the global reveal [1, 3]. Although some reports listed the event date as July 22, 2026, other sources and the official broadcast confirmed the date as July 23, 2026, in Korea Standard Time [1, 2].
“Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8, Galaxy Watch 9, Watch Ultra 2, and AI‑enhanced smart glasses.”
By introducing AI-powered smart glasses and an 'Ultra' foldable, Samsung is attempting to move beyond the smartphone as the primary hub of personal computing. The partnership with established eyewear brands suggests a strategy to overcome the 'social friction' that previously hindered the adoption of wearable tech, while the shift to silicon-carbon batteries addresses a long-standing consumer complaint regarding battery life in foldable devices.
