Samsung to Get Jump on Apple’s First Foldable With New Phones in July

Samsung to Get Jump on Apple’s First Foldable With New Phones in July

Samsung has scheduled its summer Galaxy Unpacked keynote for July 22 in London, positioning itself to showcase its foldable prowess months before Apple's annual fall event. The company announced that the event will introduce innovations that combine intelligent capabilities and new form factors to establish a new standard for the AI era.

While the event typically unveils the latest generation of foldables, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, rumors suggest this year may feature different shapes. Samsung has teased a rectangular shape via Instagram. Predictions include a Galaxy Z Fold 8 (wide) featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 7.6-inch inner display, which would reduce black bars when watching movies compared to the almost square 1:1 aspect ratio of the Z Fold 7. A more standard version, potentially rebranded as the Z Fold Ultra, is also expected.

Samsung's total production target for the Z Fold 8 lineup, including the Ultra, Wide, and Flip 8, is 5-6 million units. The Wide version alone may account for up to 2 million units.

Expanding the Ecosystem

Beyond phones, Samsung is expected to reveal new wearables. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, a rugged model, is rumored to receive a battery boost up to 800 mAh, making it the largest of any Wear OS watch. The Galaxy Watch 9 may also see a battery increase alongside new processors and refreshed designs for both models.

Smart glasses developed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are also anticipated. While Google discussed these mixed reality glasses at its I/O event earlier this summer, details regarding Samsung's specific role and the glasses' pricing and sale dates remain unknown. The devices will feature microphones and cameras for interaction with Google's Gemini AI.

Samsung has confirmed development of the Galaxy Ring 2, which is expected to feature advanced tracking and better battery life. However, it is unlikely to launch in July and may instead debut at Mobile World Congress or CES in early 2027.

The Apple Partnership

As Samsung pushes its seventh generation of foldables, Apple is reportedly preparing its own entry. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple plans to launch its first foldable phone in 2026, utilizing a crease-free display solution provided by Samsung Display (SDC). Fine M-Tec, a supplier of internal hinges and display metal plates, is expected to be a primary beneficiary, expanding production in Vietnam to support shipments of 13-15 million units in 2026.

Despite their corporate rivalry, the two companies have a history of cooperation. Samsung Display was the exclusive supplier for the iPhone X OLED screen in 2017, and Apple continues to buy memory and storage chips from Samsung subsidiaries.

Other reports suggest a more immediate timeline, stating that Samsung Display and Apple have signed an exclusive 3-year deal for OLED screens, with an initial order of 3 million units for a device being discussed for a September launch. This iPhone Fold would utilize Samsung’s M16 OLED material and CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology to improve brightness and power efficiency.

Hurdles and Market Timing

Apple's path to a foldable has not been without friction. Reports from The Elec indicate that while the screen is ready, a 3D-printed hinge is generating unwanted noise, which could delay production by 15 days to a month. One industry official told The Elec, The launch schedule depends on the readiness of Apple’s set components, particularly the hinges.

This caution follows Samsung's own early struggles with the 2019 Galaxy Fold, which suffered from debris entering the hinge and bricking displays during early reviews. However, Samsung's persistence has paid off. Drew Blackard, Senior Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, stated that foldables have reached an inflection point as they are becoming a mainstream choice for users. According to a Samsung press release, the Z Fold 7 is outperforming its predecessor by 50%, and pre-orders for both the Fold 7 and Flip 7 were 25% higher this year.

Pricing for Apple's device remains a point of speculation. A UBS note suggests a bill of materials around $750, potentially pricing the phone between $1,800 and $2,000. Other leakers suggest a higher cost between $2,100 and $2,300.

The Samsung Unpacked event will be livestreamed on July 22 via Samsung's website and YouTube channel at 9 a.m. ET.