Samsung Unpacked 2024 kicks off Wednesday at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET. Why so early for our West Coast pals? The Galaxy device showcase is happening in Paris this year, with the local start time at 1 p.m. CET. As luck would have it, Paris is also kicking off the Summer Olympics roughly a fortnight later—an event for which Samsung is a massive sponsor.
Foldable Take Center Stage
If the past is precedent—and always is with this stuff—foldable will take center stage at the Samsung event. The company has adhered to a six-month flagship release cycle for several years. Since Samsung retired the Note in 2022, new Galaxy S devices were available in January and February, and Galaxy Z Folds and Galaxy Z Flips over the summer. However, with the change in scenery, it’s looking like the Samsung event will be packed.
Other Expected Headliners
Other expected headliners include a lot of time spent on Galaxy AI, which already got a lot of face time at the Galaxy S24 event. That Unpacked also offered a “one more thing” in the form of the Galaxy Ring, which broke coverage a little over a month later at MWC in Barcelona. Expect concrete info on the new wearable and other accessories like Galaxy Buds.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 6 Updates
Both new foldables and most of the devices discussed below have already leaked. Samsung’s core competencies are manufacturing components, making great hardware, and leaking all of the above early.
Foldable: A Viable Category
The company’s all-in commitment to the foldable form factor has changed many minds over the last several years. Plenty of questions about reliability and consumer interest swirled around the first few generations, but it’s safe to say that Samsung has proved that foldables are a viable category.
New Models and Features
Both new models will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 gen three processes, which were unveiled in Hawaii last fall (I need to talk to someone about my travel budget). The Galaxy S24 series was among the first devices to get the new system-on-a-chip, a list that also includes devices from OnePlus and Xiaomi. At the same time, Vivo introduced a foldable with the silicon back in March.
Galaxy Fold 6 Design Tweaks
The Fold 6 reportedly gets key design tweaks, making it thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with an adjusted 22:9 aspect ratio. That would align it more with the excellent foldable offerings from Google and OnePlus. Other rumors point to a brighter screen and a new aluminum shell, while the Galaxy Fold is getting an upgraded battery.
Galaxy AI Developments
As you’ve undoubtedly heard, international law now requires that all phone manufacturers spend half of every event talking about how excellent AI is. Samsung devoted much of its Winter Unpacked to the subject, showcasing several new camera features and its Circle to Search partnership with Google. Google picked up the mantle at I/O in May, while at WWDC last month, we learned that “AI” apparently stands for “Apple Intelligence” now.
Setting Galaxy AI Apart
Samsung’s biggest challenge is setting Galaxy AI apart from the myriad of Gemini features coming to Android. Beyond things like a new translation feature for WhatsApp, details on those plans are a little hazy.
Galaxy Ring Release Date and Price
Samsung threw us a fun curve ball at the last Unpacked event with the brief announcement of a new wearable. With the arrival of Galaxy Ring, the company takes a step into a category that smaller names like Oura have thus far dominated. When the product was unveiled, all those companies commented that they were happy that Samsung had effectively validated their space.
Industry Reactions
Our CEO, Tom Hale, told Topclaps then, “New players entering the space is validation for the category and drives us to aim higher to serve our members and community.”
Galaxy Ring Details
Samsung will finally deliver concrete details about what that validation will look like. The Ring should get a release date and price; rumors suggest a $300 ballpark. That would put the device in line with Oura, but the question remains how much of the cost Samsung might tie up in a premium health software subscription (also like Oura’s).
Other Things to Look Out for at Samsung Unpacked
Samsung’s earbud philosophy has always been the smaller, the better. For years, the company relied on a small, spherical design that sits flush against the ear. It does the job mostly, but this limits control, as there isn’t much surface area to interact with. Naturally, the company is adding stems — and an oblong charging case.
Leaked Images and Copyright Strikes
If the leaks thus far are any indication, many people will ask you if they’re AirPods next time you wear them out. Given that the copyright holder has struck down many of the images posted to Twitter/X, there’s a good sign that the leakers are onto something here.
Galaxy Watch 7
Said leakers have also posted images of what purports to be the Galaxy Watch 7. Samsung also confirmed that the new wearable will be coming soon, with a pre-show announcement of a new BioActive sensor. The company notes:
BioActive Sensor Improvements
The all-new BioActive Sensor is essential to bringing you better preventative health experiences on the next Galaxy Watch, with design improvements that enable even more precise health insights. Samsung engineers focused on three upgrades to the new sensor: enhancing the performance of light-receiving photodiodes, adding colors of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and arranging them optimally across the sensor.
Focus on Health and Fitness
Between the upgraded Watch and the new Ring, it’s safe to assume the company will spend plenty of time discussing its health and fitness platform. Given Apple’s recent patent struggles, Samsung might strike while the iron is hot.
