TM Roh’s AI Vision: The Three Pillars
The Infrastructure Moment
At Galaxy Unpacked February 2026 in San Francisco, TM Roh, CEO and Head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, delivered a keynote that reframed the entire conversation around artificial intelligence. His central thesis: AI is entering its infrastructure moment.
“Every groundbreaking technology follows a similar journey. It begins as a marvel rare, expensive and loudly celebrated. But the technologies that change history fade into the background because they become infrastructure. Infrastructure is responsibility. It must work for everyone, everywhere. Today, there is still a gap between what AI promises and what people actually experience. Closing that gap is where Galaxy keeps pushing forward.”
— TM Roh, Galaxy Unpacked February 2026
This statement encapsulates Samsung’s entire 2026 strategy. Rather than marketing AI as a flashy add-on, Samsung is positioning it as the invisible backbone of every Galaxy device from the Galaxy S26 to the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and SmartThings ecosystem.
The Three Pillars: Reach, Openness, Confidence
TM Roh outlined three priorities that define Samsung’s AI vision for 2026 and beyond:
| Pillar | Definition | Samsung Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | AI must live across the ecosystem of devices people already use every day | Galaxy AI spans phones, tablets, watches, earbuds, TVs, and home appliances via SmartThings |
| Openness | AI must be effortless and accessible without a learning curve | Agentic AI handles tasks automatically; Bixby supports real-time web search within conversations |
| Confidence | Security and privacy must be foundational, not optional | Samsung Knox protects data; privacy display gives users control over who sees their screen |
From MWC 2026 to Galaxy Unpacked July 2026
At MWC 2026 in Barcelona, TM Roh expanded this vision even further, connecting the February announcements to the broader Samsung ecosystem:
“MWC is an opportunity to show not only where Galaxy AI is today, but where it’s going next. From the Galaxy S26 series to emerging form factors like Galaxy XR and Galaxy Z TriFold, we’re pushing the boundaries of what mobile technology can be while keeping the user experience at the center of every innovation.”
— TM Roh, MWC 2026
This statement confirmed that Samsung’s AI vision is not limited to smartphones. It extends to extended reality (XR) headsets, tri-fold devices, and the entire SmartThings-connected home.
Galaxy Unpacked July 2026: What to Expect Event Details
Samsung has officially confirmed that Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 will take place on July 22, 2026, in London, U.K. a deliberate shift from the company’s usual U.S. or South Korean launch locations. The event invitation reads: “A New Shape Unfolds.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 22, 2026 |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Live Stream | Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, Samsung YouTube |
| Time (BST) | 2:00 p.m. |
| Time (EDT) | 9:00 a.m. |
| Time (CEST) | 3:00 p.m. |
| Tagline | “A New Shape Unfolds” |
The London location signals Samsung’s intensified focus on the European market, where foldable adoption has been strong and where Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in September 2026.
Expected Announcements
Based on leaks, certifications, and Samsung’s official invitation, the July 2026 Unpacked will unveil:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — the flagship book-style foldable
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide — an entirely new landscape-oriented foldable design
- Galaxy Z Flip 8 — the clamshell foldable (potentially the final model)
- Updated Galaxy AI features for foldables
- SmartThings ecosystem enhancements
- Samsung Knox security updates
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series: Three Devices, One Revolution
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra replaces the Z Fold 7 as Samsung’s most premium book-style foldable. The “Ultra” branding aligns it with the Galaxy S Ultra series, explicitly positioning it as the flagship foldable.
Key Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 5,000 mAh with 45W charging |
| Thickness (unfolded) | ~4.1 mm |
| Weight | ~215g (same as Z Fold 7) |
| Main Camera | 200 MP with OIS |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP (major upgrade from Z Fold 7’s 12 MP) |
| Telephoto | 10 MP with 3x optical zoom |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Colors | Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow, Violet Shadow |
| S Pen | No built-in slot (confirmed) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
The 200 MP main camera marks the first time the Fold series has come close to matching Galaxy S Ultra camera hardware. The enhanced screen resolution on the Z Fold 8 Ultra is a key differentiator from the Wide model, justifying the “Ultra” premium positioning.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide A New Shape Unfolds
The most exciting announcement at Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 will be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide — Samsung’s first landscape-oriented foldable with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Key Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.6-inch foldable OLED, 4:3 aspect ratio |
| Cover Display | 5.4-inch |
| Main Camera | 50 MP (supports 24 MP native mode) |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | 25W |
| S Pen | Supported |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Colors | Cream, Graphite, Lavender, Pistachio |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
The 4:3 aspect ratio is the critical innovation. Unlike the tall, narrow Z Fold 7, the Wide model feels like a smaller, square-shaped tablet when unfolded. This makes wide-screen videos look far more natural eliminating the black bars that plague current foldables — and creates a better hand-feel for reading, watching videos, and productivity work.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is Samsung’s direct answer to the Apple iPhone Fold, which is expected to feature a similar wide aspect ratio when it launches in September 2026.
CMIIT Certification Confirmation
All three foldables have appeared on China’s CMIIT certification database — a mandatory step for electronics sales:
| Model Number | Device |
|---|---|
| SM-F7760 | Galaxy Z Flip 8 |
| SM-F9670 | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
| SM-F7910 | Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide |
Galaxy Z Flip 8: The Final Flip?
The End of an Era?
The Galaxy Z Flip 8, expected to launch on July 22, 2026, may be the final device in the Z Flip lineup. Multiple independent reports from tipsters on X (formerly Twitter) claim Samsung plans to discontinue the Galaxy Z Flip series to focus more resources on the Galaxy Z Fold series and the new Wide form factor.
If true, the Z Flip would become the second major Samsung smartphone lineup discontinued after the Galaxy Note series — a significant strategic shift.
Expected Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (some regions) / Exynos 2600 (others) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB (no 1TB option) |
| Colors | Cream, Graphite, Mint, Pink |
| Positioning | Mid-range foldable for casual buyers |
The lack of a 1TB storage option and the mid-range positioning suggest Samsung is treating the Z Flip 8 as a farewell device rather than a flagship investment.
Samsung AI Features: From Galaxy AI to Agentic AI
What Is Agentic AI?
At Galaxy Unpacked February 2026, Samsung introduced agentic AI a paradigm shift from passive AI tools to active AI assistants that act on behalf of users. This is the core of TM Roh’s “infrastructure” vision.
Key Agentic AI Features on Galaxy S26 (Coming to Fold 8):
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Call Screening | Summarizes incoming calls — identifying who is calling and why — so users can quickly decide whether to respond |
| Now Nudge | Understands conversational context and surfaces relevant suggestions without switching between apps |
| Bixby Real-Time Web Search | Supports real-time web search with results appearing directly within the conversation, not redirecting to a browser |
| Automated Workflows | Handles scheduling, summarizing communications, and conducting research directly from conversations |
“It keeps you in the flow without switching between apps.”
— Rachel Roberts, Director of Product Management, Samsung Electronics America
AI-Powered Camera Innovations
The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduced several camera AI features that will likely carry over to the Fold 8 series:
- Nightography improvements: 47% brighter aperture (F1.4), 37% more brightness on telephoto (F2.9)
- 200 MP Wide camera with advanced noise reduction
- APV (Advanced Professional Video): a new professional-grade codec for efficient compression in high-quality production workflows — first on a Galaxy device
- ProVisual Engine refinements for improved image processing
Privacy Display: AI Meets Hardware Security
The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduced the world’s first mobile privacy display — a hardware-level innovation that hides the screen from anyone except the user. This feature directly addresses a critical risk in modern business and will likely be a key selling point for the Fold 8 Ultra.
Users can choose which apps or notifications to hide, giving unprecedented control over private information.
SmartThings Ecosystem & Samsung AI Integration
The Home Companion Vision
At CES 2026, Samsung unveiled its Companion to AI Living — a unified smart home system that works as a personal assistant, smart home hub, and predictive living engine all in one. This is the ecosystem layer that makes TM Roh’s “Reach” pillar tangible.
Key SmartThings AI Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AI Agent Integration | Advanced contextual intelligence with voice, gesture, and device awareness |
| Whole-Home Control | Manage lighting, appliances, entertainment, energy, and routines through unified Samsung ecosystem |
| Seamless Compatibility | Works with SmartThings, Matter, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant |
| Mobile Companion | SmartThings AI extends to Galaxy devices for on-the-go control |
| Predictive Automation | Learns daily habits to automate tasks like adjusting room settings or suggesting content |
| Natural Interaction | Voice-first and visual interfaces for intuitive interactions |
Bespoke AI Appliances
Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances are evolving from mere devices into “Home Companions” — equipped with Bixby voice recognition, screens, and cameras that allow them to see, hear, and understand, in order to proactively respond to users.
“Samsung’s ultimate goal is to enable a better living through Bespoke AI. Through our extensive ecosystem that connects devices across DX products including mobile phones and TV and our appliances’ unique form factors, we are providing differentiated experiences to our consumers.”
— Cheolgi Kim, Head of Samsung’s Digital Appliances Business
The Full Galaxy AI Ecosystem
Samsung’s AI vision is not about any single device — it’s about every device working together:
- Galaxy S26 / Fold 8 — Mobile AI
- Galaxy Buds4 Pro — Audio AI
- Galaxy Watch 8 — Wearable AI
- SmartThings — Home AI
- Bespoke Appliances — Living AI
- Galaxy XR — Spatial AI
This is the Reach pillar in action — AI that lives across the entire ecosystem, not just one device.
Samsung Knox Security in the AI Era
Security as Foundation, Not Optional
TM Roh’s third pillar Confidence is built on Samsung Knox, the company’s defense-grade security platform. In an era where AI processes vast amounts of personal data, Knox is positioned as the trust layer that makes agentic AI possible.
Knox Protections in 2026:
| Layer | Protection |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Knox Vault isolates sensitive data in a secure processor |
| Privacy Display | Hardware-level screen hiding (Galaxy S26 Ultra, likely Fold 8 Ultra) |
| AI Data Control | Users control how AI uses their information |
| Real-Time Threat Detection | Knox monitors for malware and phishing across the ecosystem |
| Enterprise Grade | Same security used by governments and defense organizations |
Why Security Matters for Agentic AI
Agentic AI requires deep access to personal data calendars, messages, emails, browsing habits, home routines. Without foundational security, users cannot trust AI to act on their behalf. Samsung’s Knox-first approach aims to close the trust gap that TM Roh identified as the barrier between “what AI promises and what people actually experience.”
Samsung Wearable AI & Galaxy Buds4
Galaxy Buds4 Pro: AI-Powered Audio
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro, unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked February 2026, represents Samsung’s push into wearable AI:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio | Full-range, high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz sound |
| Speaker System | Dual-amplifier, two-way speaker with expanded woofer |
| Bass | Deeper bass, refined highs |
| Call Quality | Super Clear call quality via advanced deep neural network |
| Noise Reduction | Reduces background noise, enhances voice bandwidth |
The deep neural network powering Super Clear call quality is an example of AI moving from the phone to every device in the ecosystem — making the Buds4 Pro not just headphones, but AI communication devices.
The Wearable AI Pipeline
Samsung’s wearable AI strategy extends beyond earbuds:
- Galaxy Watch 8 / Watch 8 Classic: health monitoring AI, sleep tracking, fitness coaching
- Galaxy Ring: continuous health monitoring with AI-powered insights
- Galaxy XR: spatial computing with AI-driven environmental understanding
All of these connect back to SmartThings and Galaxy AI, creating a continuous AI layer across every touchpoint.
The Competitive Landscape: Apple iPhone Fold
The Foldable War of 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 is not happening in a vacuum. Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, featuring a similar wide aspect ratio to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. This sets up the most significant foldable competition in smartphone history.
Samsung’s First-Mover Advantage
Samsung has a 7-year head start in foldables (Galaxy Fold launched in 2019). By July 2026, Samsung will have:
- 8 generations of Fold devices
- 8 generations of Flip devices
- A new Wide form factor
- Deep AI integration across all foldables
- A mature SmartThings ecosystem
Apple’s challenge will be convincing users that its first foldable is worth the premium over Samsung’s refined, AI-enhanced lineup.
Pricing Strategy
| Device | Expected Price (256GB) |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | ~$1,999 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide | ~$1,999 |
| Galaxy Z Flip 8 | ~$999 |
| Apple iPhone Fold (rumored) | ~$2,000+ |
Samsung’s double storage pre-order deals and aggressive trade-in offers (up to $1,000 via carriers) will be critical competitive weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Galaxy Unpacked July 2026?
Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 will take place on July 22, 2026, in London, U.K. The live stream begins at 2:00 p.m. BST (9:00 a.m. EDT / 3:00 p.m. CEST).
What will Samsung announce at Unpacked July 2026?
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide (a new landscape-oriented foldable), and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (potentially the final Flip device). Updated Galaxy AI features, SmartThings ecosystem enhancements, and Samsung Knox security updates are also expected.
What is Samsung’s AI vision for 2026?
Samsung’s AI vision, articulated by TM Roh, rests on three pillars: Reach (AI across all devices), Openness (effortless, no learning curve), and Confidence (Knox security as foundational). The goal is to make AI infrastructure — invisible, reliable, and working for everyone.
What is agentic AI Samsung?
Agentic AI is Samsung’s next-generation AI that acts on behalf of users rather than just responding to commands. Features include Call Screening (summarizes incoming calls), Now Nudge (context-aware suggestions), and Bixby real-time web search (results appear in conversation). It handles scheduling, summarizing communications, and research automatically.
What is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide?
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is Samsung’s first landscape-oriented foldable with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Unlike the tall Z Fold 7, it feels like a smaller tablet when unfolded, making wide-screen videos look natural and improving productivity. It features a 7.6-inch inner display, 50MP cameras, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Is the Galaxy Z Flip 8 the last Flip?
Multiple independent reports suggest the Galaxy Z Flip 8 may be the final device in the Z Flip lineup. Samsung is reportedly discontinuing the Flip series to focus on the Fold series and the new Wide form factor. If true, the Flip would be the second major Samsung lineup discontinued after the Galaxy Note.
What is Samsung Knox?
Samsung Knox is Samsung’s defense-grade security platform. In 2026, it includes Knox Vault (hardware-isolated sensitive data), Privacy Display (hides screen from others), AI Data Control (user controls over AI data usage), and real-time threat detection. It is the security foundation for Samsung’s agentic AI vision.
How does SmartThings work with Galaxy AI?
SmartThings is the connective tissue of Samsung’s AI ecosystem. It enables whole-home control (lighting, appliances, entertainment, energy), predictive automation (learns habits to auto-adjust settings), and seamless compatibility with Matter, Alexa, and Google Assistant. SmartThings AI extends to Galaxy devices for on-the-go control.
What did TM Roh say about AI at Galaxy Unpacked?
TM Roh stated: “Every groundbreaking technology follows a similar journey. It begins as a marvel rare, expensive and loudly celebrated. But the technologies that change history fade into the background because they become infrastructure. Infrastructure is responsibility. It must work for everyone, everywhere. Today, there is still a gap between what AI promises and what people actually experience. Closing that gap is where Galaxy keeps pushing forward.”
Will Samsung compete with Apple iPhone Fold?
Yes. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is Samsung’s direct answer to the Apple iPhone Fold, which is expected in September 2026 with a similar wide aspect ratio. Samsung has a 7-year head start in foldables, with 8 generations of Fold/Flip devices, deep AI integration, and a mature ecosystem giving it significant first-mover advantage.
