Samsung confirms Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch date early – here's when pre-orders should start

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — (Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)

Quick Summary

Samsung is officially teasing the launch of its new devices, but hasn't yet confirmed the date of Galaxy Unpacked.

However, a discount voucher valid from 22 July 2026 matches the expected date for the Samsung launch event.

Samsung has now officially started teasing its next folding phone, showing off a shorter stature device. It's expected to launch as the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, a shorter but wider folding phone. And while Samsung hasn't officially confirmed the date of the launch event, a fresh leak gives us a hint.

We first heard details for Galaxy Unpacked in April, with the suggestion that the event would take place in London on 22 July. That's the timeframe that we've been working towards, and that's now corroborated with a leak directly from Samsung.

In this case, Samsung Malaysia (via SamMobile) shared details about a pre-order voucher via the Samsung Members app, which said that the voucher was valid from 22 July through to 4 October.

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Through the offer, those pre-registering to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could get RM700 off (about £130 / $170 / €150). There also appears to be an offer for wearables too, with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 expected on launch day.

That ties in nicely with what we've been hearing about the launch of Samsung's new devices. While the price may be increased because of rising component costs, it's expected that Samsung will have a range of pre-order offers.

That's expected to include the double storage offer, which represents a real saving and benefit, while trade in values could also be increased.

What is expected at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?

Samsung is expected to have a busy event come launch day. First of all, we're expecting a complete refresh of its folding phones, including:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Then we're expecting updates to Galaxy Watch, expected to include:

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

There might be more on offer too, with the expectation that Samsung will be showing off its Android XR glasses. The models built with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker were briefly demoed at Google I/O, with a launch expected later in the summer.

We're also likely to see the introduction of One UI 9 on Android 17.

While the event is expected to take place on 22 July (a Wednesday), with pre-orders opening immediately, the in-store date is likely to be 31 July at the earliest (Friday the following week). Either way, there's not long to go and the official build-up has started.

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Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.