Samsung held Galaxy Unpacked in London in July 2026 and unveiled the eighth generation of its foldable phone lineup: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The event also featured new Galaxy Watches as Samsung continues to refine its foldable technology and establish mainstream adoption.

The Z Fold 8 represents Samsung’s most refined foldable phone to date, with improvements to the hinge mechanism, display durability, and overall user experience compared to the Z Fold 7 released in July 2025.

Z Fold 8 Ultra Targets Premium Segment

Samsung introduced the Z Fold 8 Ultra as a new ultra-premium variant, signaling the company’s confidence that foldable phones are moving beyond niche status into established product categories. The Ultra model features enhanced specs and materials compared to the standard Z Fold 8.

The company has iterated on foldable design annually, and the Z Fold 8 represents incremental refinement rather than revolutionary change. Samsung is betting that incremental annual upgrades will establish the foldable category as a permanent part of the smartphone market.

Z Flip 8 Refinement

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 maintains Samsung’s flip-style foldable design, folding vertically like a traditional flip phone. The 2026 model includes improvements to the crease visibility and cover screen functionality. The flip form factor appeals to users who prefer compact pockets size when folded.

Samsung has made the foldable category profitable by charging premium prices. The Z Fold line competes directly with Apple’s most expensive iPhone Pro Max models.

Watch Lineup Expanded

Samsung announced new Galaxy Watch models at the event, continuing the company’s strategy of offering an ecosystem of connected devices. Smartwatch revenue has become a meaningful part of Samsung’s wearables business.

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 event demonstrated that foldable phones are no longer experimental technology but established consumer products with annual refresh cycles.