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Samsung Unpacked 2024: What To Expect From The July 10 Event
The Galaxy Watch Ultra could be revealed alongside new earbuds, foldables and the hotly-anticipated Galaxy Ring.
The summer months are usually a quiet time for new tech releases. However, the next Samsung Unpacked event — taking place in Paris on July 10 — could shake things up a little.
Although we’re unlikely to hear any news about next year’s Galaxy S devices, there’s a good chance we’ll learn more about Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones, a new smartwatch, and the hotly-anticipated Galaxy Ring that’s been teased over the last year.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Galaxy Ring is rumored to arrive “in or around August” according to Samsung itself, so it would be more of a surprise if the wearable didn’t make an appearance at Unpacked. The Galaxy Ring will come in three colors — gold, platinum silver, and ceramic black — and will be available in multiple sizes.
The device will monitor heart rate, breathing, and even movement, helping you track sleep. The ring is also expected to support fertility monitoring. The Galaxy Ring will pair with a Galaxy Watch, which will enable more precise health data.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are rumored to make an appearance at the Unpacked event in Paris, though updates will be relatively minor. The Z Flip 6 should get a battery capacity boost to 4,000 mAh, an optional 12GB RAM upgrade, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Cameras may be upgraded, too, with the 50MP camera from the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 coming to the Z Flip 6.
There has also been talk of a more premium foldable known as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, alongside slim versions of both foldable devices. However, we think these models are more likely to appear alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup in early 2025 — though we might get a teaser at this summer event.
Galaxy Watch And Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch 7 listings have already begun appearing on some online stores, so it’s likely we’ll see the new wearable appear at Unpacked. The Watch 7 is expected to sport a 3nm chipset with improved power and efficiency. The health sensors are due for a performance upgrade too.
Being 2024, AI features are sure to feature on the new Watch 7, including AI-powered sleep, exercise and messaging tools.
Rumors have also been circulating for some time about a Galaxy Watch Ultra. Leaked pictures suggest it’ll be thicker than a standard Galaxy Watch with a rectangular design and round watch face. Intriguingly, the Galaxy Watch Ultra may sport a digital crown-style dial instead of a rotating bezel.
Galaxy Buds 3 And Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
It’s been several years since the last Galaxy Buds arrived on the scene, so we should hear an announcement about the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro at the July 10 Unpacked event.
Both models will be available in silver and white and have an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, along with SmartThings Find support. As with the Buds 2 Pro, the Buds 3 Pro will feature a two-way speaker designed to deliver improved audio, while the regular Buds 3 will stick to a one-way speaker. The higher-end model should also come with adaptive noise control, ambient sound, and blade lights while offering improved battery life.
Finally, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are rumored to be adopting a stem design, like Apple’s AirPods. Whether you’re a fan of that layout or not, it does have the advantage of placing the microphone slightly closer to your mouth for potentially improved call quality.
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Checkout.com Set To Launch Card Issuing In The UAE
The payment service provider’s expansion is a first-of-its-kind investment and could reshape digital transactions across the region.
Checkout.com is laying the groundwork to become the first global payments platform to introduce card issuing in the United Arab Emirates — a move that could reshape how businesses in the region manage financial transactions.
The company plans to roll out its domestic card issuance offering in the UAE by 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The launch would give businesses the tools to issue both physical and virtual branded cards. This, in turn, opens up new ways to reward customers, streamline expense processes, and handle B2B payouts efficiently.
Checkout.com’s CEO and Founder, Guillaume Pousaz, revealed the plans during Thrive Abu Dhabi, the firm’s debut conference in the Emirates. Joined on stage by Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA, Pousaz presented to an audience of over 150 partners and merchants at Saadiyat Island. Also in attendance was H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Abbondandolo highlighted the strategic importance of the announcement: “As a global business, we focus on bringing products to markets that our customers want and need. Today’s announcement is proof of our commitment to the MENA region and its rising influence in the digital economy. The appetite for innovation here is real, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers it”.
One early adopter of Checkout.com’s UAE acquiring services is Headout, a travel experiences marketplace, which recently named the payment provider as its main partner in Europe. The company has already begun card issuing there and is keen to expand that offering into MENA once approval is granted.
The expansion of services in the UAE and beyond builds on Checkout.com’s track record in the region. It was the first global payments firm to secure a Retail Payment Services license from the UAE’s Central Bank and was instrumental in rolling out Mada and Apple Pay in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: Protecting Your WhatsApp Account From Hackers: Kaspersky Expert Tips
The firm has also been rolling out new products: One of the latest is Flow Remember Me, currently in beta testing. It allows shoppers to store their card information once and access it across Checkout.com’s entire network, potentially cutting checkout times by up to 70%.
Earlier this year, Checkout.com also introduced Visa Direct’s Push-to-Card solution in the UAE, enabling both domestic and international payouts. Its collaboration with Mastercard has grown as well, making it easier for businesses to send funds directly to third-party cards securely and quickly.
With regional tech ambitions on the rise — spurred by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s 2031 Agenda — Checkout.com sees its role as one of a key enabler. “Our mission is to help ambitious businesses navigate the complexity of payments, so they can move faster, go further, and make the most of every opportunity,” said Abbondandolo. “In MENA, performance is personal. It’s local. It’s built on trust. And when payments perform, businesses thrive”.
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