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 be held in Paris at 3:00 PM local time, which is 9:00 AM ET.
The company released its Galaxy S24 devices earlier this year after its first Unpacked in 2024, so it’s highly unlikely we’ll see new versions of the traditional smartphone format here (perhaps apart from Olympic-branded models given Samsung’s sponsorship of the event). However, there is a decent chance that Samsung will show off its latest set of foldable devices. Rumors suggest that it is also set to unveil a new smartwatch. And then there’s the tidbit of the smart ring that Samsung teased this year.
Here’s a look at what we expect from Samsung Unpacked, the July 2024 release:
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Samsung’s smart ring is its most interesting upcoming device. It’s a brand new product category for the company, though Samsung has been preparing for it over the past few years by refining its health and wellness technologies in its other devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is set to arrive “in or around August,” according to the company itself, so it would be more of a surprise if the device No appears on Unpacked. After first teasing the wearable during 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 your heart rate, movement and breathing to help track your sleep. It is also expected to support fertility tracking. The Galaxy Ring will also be able to pair with the Galaxy Watch, so you’ll likely get more accurate health data if you wear both.
The Galaxy Ring will naturally be compatible with Galaxy phones, but Samsung is working to make it work with other Android phones. As of February, iOS compatibility was supposed to be determined, so perhaps rival Oura will remain the device of choice for many iPhone users. For what it’s worth, some of the company’s smartwatches are compatible with certain non-Samsung iPhones and Android phones.
Samsung has not yet revealed the exact release date and price of the Galaxy Ring. However, this information will almost certainly be announced on Unpacked.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
It’s probably the right time for Samsung to introduce a new foldable device as we move into the second half of the year and (don’t say it out loud because summer just started in the northern hemisphere) the holiday shopping season. We may very well see the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 on Unpacked.
Updates are expected to be relatively minor. Rumors suggest that the Z Flip 6 will get a slight increase in battery capacity to 4,000mAh, the option to increase the RAM to 12GB, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Camera upgrades also seem likely, with Samsung saying it will bring the same 50MP to the Z Flip 6 camera as seen in the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24.
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 have Corning Gorilla Armor for better durability along with anti-glare technology.
There doesn’t appear to be an upgrade to the cameras, while there may only be a very small increase in battery capacity. However, it is a safe bet that the chipset will be upgraded to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Meanwhile, one leak suggested that both devices are getting a $100 bump compared to last year’s models. We’ll have to wait until Unpacked to know for sure if that’s the case.
There has also been talk of a more premium Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, as well as thin versions of both folding formats. However, these may arrive alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup in early 2025. If they do appear at July’s Unpacked event, it’s likely to be a tease at best.
Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch 7 listings have appeared early on some online stores, so we’re likely to see the wearable appear on Unpacked as well. It is expected to have a 3nm chipset that could improve power efficiency and performance. Health sensors are also likely to get an upgrade.
Since it’s 2024, naturally there will be some AI-powered features. A detailed list of AI sleep, exercise and communication features, including a smart reply feature for the latter.
That’s not all though, as there are hints that Galaxy Watch Ultras are also on the way. A number of leaked images suggest that it will be sturdier than the standard Galaxy Watch models. The device is expected to have a rectangular design with a round face. Most interestingly, the Galaxy Watch Ultra could have a combination dial and Digital Crown-style buttons on the side instead of a rotating bezel for navigation.
The price is said to be $700, which would be much more expensive than other Galaxy Watch devices. Here’s hoping Samsung packed enough features in there to make it worthwhile.
Official renderings of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring Charger
Literally almost every thing about Samsung Unpacked was leaked like 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 (not counting last year’s FE variant), so they’re due for an upgrade. It’s likely that we’ll see both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro at Unpacked on July 10.
Both models will be available in silver and white and will be IP57 rated for dust and water resistance along with SmartThings Find support. Android Headlines.
As with the Buds 2 Pro, the Buds 3 Pro are expected to have a dual-way speaker designed to deliver richer sound, while the regular Buds 3 will have a single-way speaker. The higher model will also offer adaptive noise control, blade lights and ambient sound. The Buds 3 Pro are expected to offer longer battery life than the cheaper model, although both are believed to have active noise cancellation.
There’s another big expected change, as word on the street suggests that Samsung is set to emulate Apple’s AirPods by adopting a stem design. Whether you’re a fan of the format or not, there is one clear advantage to the stem: it places the mic 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 they lacked the “awkward stem.”
Galaxy Reserve pre-order offers
As it has done in recent years, Samsung has already made it possible to reserve “one of the next-generation Galaxy devices on Samsung.com.” This will entitle you to a $50 “instant Samsung credit” and “save up to $1,500 when you pre-order.” Of course, this doesn’t tell us much about what to officially expect from the company, but it’s a sign that it will at least something book, right?
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