Samsung Electronics opened a new chapter in the artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) device market on today (22nd) at 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' held in London, UK, by establishing a three-model foldable phone lineup and unveiling its first smart glasses.

At the Unpacked event held this evening local time (10 p.m. Korea time), Samsung Electronics unveiled three new foldable phone products for the first time: 'Galaxy Z Fold 8', 'Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra', and 'Galaxy Z Flip 8'. In particular, the 'Fold 8 Ultra' boasts record-breaking performance with an 8-inch main display, a 200-megapixel main camera, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera for the first time in foldable phones. Additionally, all new foldable products feature 'Flex Titanium' display technology, which dramatically reduces screen wrinkles, and the new 'One UI 9' was also unveiled to provide a new user experience. The 'Fold 8' presented a new aspect ratio optimized for a 5.5-inch cover display and 7.6-inch main display.

The new product that garnered the most attention is Samsung Electronics' first smart glasses, 'Intelligent Eyewear'. Developed through close collaboration with Google, these smart glasses have enhanced customizable designs through collaborations with global design brands such as Gentlemonster and Warby Parker. This is evaluated as Samsung and Google's alliance throwing down a new challenge in a situation where Meta controls 80% of the global smart glasses market.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Additionally, 'Galaxy Watch 9' and 'Galaxy Watch Ultra 2' were also unveiled. Both wearable devices further enhanced AI-based health coaching features, focusing on personalized health management.

Samsung Electronics' Unpacked event is significant in that it marks the company's expansion of its AI·XR device ecosystem through strengthening its foldable lineup and launching its first smart glasses. Attention is being drawn to what kind of impact Samsung Electronics will have in a market dominated by Meta.