Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) is preparing to unveil a shorter, wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 on July 22 as it tries to stay ahead of Apple's NASDAQ:AAPL rumored push into foldable phones.
The company will host its Galaxy Unpacked event in London, where reports say it will introduce 3 foldable phones alongside wearables such as a smartwatch and clip-on wireless earbuds. The headline device is expected to be a new Fold 8 variant with a passport-style footprint.
Bloomberg reported that Samsung will still debut successors to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, but the wider Fold 8 model could offer a more immersive video experience and better multitasking. Samsung has also teased the new design across social media.
the launch matters because Samsung is trying to defend its foldable-phone lead before Apple enters the category. The next catalyst is the July 22 event, where pricing and availability will show how aggressively Samsung plans to compete.