With an invite that tells us to “Get ready to unfold,” we already know that Samsung is gearing up to launch its new foldables. A pre-event blog post and press release from Samsung’s mobile head TM Roh confirmed some leaks and hints at what we can expect from the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.
The most significant announcement revolves around the third-generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip. Roh wrote, “Our third generation of foldable devices will open up amazing new multitasking capabilities and enhanced durability.”
The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold will combine “the very best that smartphones and tablets offer” and will deliver “completely new ways of working, connecting and creating.” While the next Galaxy Z Flip will have an “even more refined style, armed with more durable, stronger materials.”
This improved durability is an integral part of the foldable experience, as Samsung worked on improving the screen’s toughness through the first canceled product to the “Ultra Thin Glass” we have right now. We’re hopefully going to learn what this enhanced durability means at the event.
Roh all but confirmed that we wouldn’t be getting a new Galaxy Note device anytime soon. Instead, Samsung will announce its first S Pen designed for foldable phones. A recent leak from 91mobiles shows off a case for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 with a slot for the new S Pen right behind the hinge.
He writes, “Instead of unveiling a new Galaxy Note this time around, we will further broaden beloved Note features to more Samsung Galaxy devices.”
The Verge pointed out that Samsung already hinted at skipping the Note during an earnings call in March. The company said, “it could be a burden to unveil two flagship models in a year.”
Roh also wrote about its collaboration with partners like Google and Microsoft to improve the ecosystem of its foldable devices. Roh adds that “we have lined up even more partner apps that make the most of the versatile fold-out format.”
He mentions hands-free optimized video calling with Google Duo, watching videos in Flex mode on YouTube, and multitasking in Microsoft Teams, as some optimized experiences on these devices.
Roh also briefly mentioned Samsung’s collaboration with Google for Wear OS 3. This new unified wearable platform will bring Galaxy apps like Samsung Health and SmartThings and “many others in the new Google Play Store.” At the same time, the new One UI Watch user interface will remain deeply integrated within Samsung’s ecosystem, providing “consistent connectivity between your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone.”
According to leaks, we are expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, new Galaxy smartwatches, and new Galaxy Buds 2.
If you’re interested in tuning in, the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is happening on August 11 at 10 PM Philippine Time. If you pre-register at this link, you can get a PHP 2,000 voucher from Samsung.