Summer is usually a quiet time for tech news, but Samsung is about to shake things up a bit. The next Samsung Unpacked event is scheduled for July 10. It will take place in Paris at 3 p.m. local time, or 9 a.m. ET.
The company launched its Galaxy S24 devices earlier this year after its first Unpacked in 2024, so it’s highly unlikely we’ll see any new takes on the traditional smartphone form factor here (perhaps with the exception of Olympic-branded models given Samsung’s sponsorship of that event). However, there’s a good chance Samsung will show off its latest set of foldables. Rumors suggest it’s also set to unveil a new smartwatch. And then there’s the small matter of the smart ring that Samsung teased this year.
Here’s a look at what we expect from Samsung Unpacked, July 2024 edition:
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Samsung’s Smart Ring is its next most intriguing device. This is an entirely new product category for the company, although Samsung has prepared for it by refining its health and wellness technology in its other devices over the past few years.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is expected to arrive “around August”, according to the company itself, so it would be more surprising if the device doesn’t appear on Unpacked. After first revealing the wearable at Unpacked in January, Samsung revealed more details about it in February. The Galaxy ring will be available in three colors – platinum silver, gold and ceramic black – and in several sizes.
The ring will measure heart rate, movement and breathing to help you track your sleep. It should also support fertility monitoring. The Galaxy Ring will also be able to pair with a Galaxy Watch, so if you wear both, you’ll likely get more accurate health data.
Naturally, the Galaxy Ring will be compatible with Galaxy phones, but Samsung aims to make it work with other Android handsets. Back in February, iOS compatibility was to be determined, so perhaps the rival Oura device will remain the go-to choice for many iPhone users. For what it’s worth, some of the company’s smartwatches are compatible with some non-Samsung iPhones and Android phones.
Samsung is yet to reveal the exact release date and price of the Galaxy Ring. However, this information will almost certainly be announced during Unpacked.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
It’s probably a good time for Samsung to roll out new foldable devices as we enter the second half of the year and (don’t say it out loud because summer has just started in the northern hemisphere) the Holiday shopping season. We could very well see the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 at Unpacked.
Updates should be relatively minor. Rumors suggest that the Z Flip 6 will get a modest battery capacity increase to 4,000mAh, an option to increase RAM to 12GB, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The camera also seems likely, with Samsung bringing the same 50MP camera found in the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 to the Z Flip 6.
As for the foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, it is expected to have the same screen size and thickness as last year’s model. The cover screen can adopt Corning Gorilla Armor for enhanced durability as well as anti-glare technology.
It doesn’t look like the cameras will be upgraded, while there might only be a very slight increase in battery capacity. However, it’s a safe bet that there will be a chipset upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Meanwhile, a leak has suggested that both devices will see a $100 increase over last year’s models. We’ll have to wait until Unpacked to know for sure if this is the case.
There have also been rumors surrounding a more premium Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, as well as slim versions of both foldable formats. However, these could arrive alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup in early 2025. If they appear during July’s Unpacked event, it’s likely that it’s just a teaser.
Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch 7 listings appeared early in some online stores, so we’ll likely see this wearable show up at Unpacked as well. It is expected to feature a 3nm chipset that could improve power efficiency and performance. Health sensors will likely be upgraded as well.
Given that in 2024 there will naturally be AI-based features. A detailed list of AI-powered sleep, exercise, and communication features, including a smart reply feature for the latter.
That’s not all, as there are indications that a Galaxy Watch Ultra is also on the way. A number of leaked images suggest it will be bulkier than standard Galaxy Watch models. The device should have a rectangular design with a round dial. Most intriguing is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra could have a digital crown-shaped dial and button combination on the side instead of a rotating bezel for navigation.
Rumors peg the price at $700, which would be much more expensive than other Galaxy Watch devices. Here’s hoping Samsung has packed in enough features to make it worth it.
Official render of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring charger
Literally almost everything about the Samsung Unpacked has been leaked as always pic.twitter.com/EXFZOnWRV1
–Tim Tom 0 (@Tim_tom_0) June 16, 2024
Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
It’s been a few years since the last Galaxy Buds models (not counting last year’s FE variant), so these need to be upgraded. It’s likely we’ll see the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro at Unpacked on July 10.
Both models will be available in silver and white colorways and will feature an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as support for SmartThings Find, according to Android titles.
Like the Buds 2 Pro, the Buds 3 Pro are expected to feature a two-way speaker designed to deliver richer sound, while the regular Buds 3 will have a single-way speaker. The higher-end model is also said to offer adaptive noise control, blade lights, and ambient sound. The Buds 3 Pro are also expected to offer longer battery life than the more budget-friendly model, though both are said to have active noise cancellation.
Another big change is expected: Samsung is rumored to be preparing to imitate Apple’s AirPods by adopting a stem design. Whether you’re a fan of this format or not, the stem has one obvious advantage: it places the microphone a little closer to your mouth, which should improve call quality. For what it’s worth, when Samsung revealed the Galaxy Buds Live in 2020, it said these didn’t have an “annoying stem.”