[Interview] [Galaxy Unpacked July 2026] Inside the Design Behind the Latest Galaxy Z Series and Galaxy Watch

From foldables to smartwatches, Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices take different forms but share the same design philosophy — comfort.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Hubert Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Design Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to hear how this approach shaped the new lineup.

▲ Hubert Lee

Q. What were the key design considerations for this year’s Galaxy foldable lineup?

Today’s Galaxy devices are faster and more powerful than ever. We considered how we could go one step further to deliver a more natural and comfortable experience.

Slimness and lightness are essential to creating a comfortable user experience, since they influence how naturally a device opens, how comfortable it feels in the hand and how easily it fits into everyday life. That is why we consider not only the product itself, but also every moment of the user experience it creates.

From an aesthetic perspective, we applied the concept of “Emotive Geometry.” This design approach brings human warmth to Galaxy’s simple, refined forms, creating a balanced design that goes beyond powerful performance to connect with users on an emotional level.

▲ Product sketches and design elements on display illustrate the design process behind the new Galaxy Z series.

Q. What drove the expansion of the Galaxy Z series portfolio?

Across seven generations of foldable innovation, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of how people use their devices. As user expectations for foldables have become more diverse, we have also recognized that no single foldable can meet every need – One size does not fit all.

Some users prioritize productivity and multitasking, while others value portability. Based on these insights, we expanded the Galaxy Z series lineup so each device could better serve different priorities.

Q. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the slimmest Galaxy Z Fold yet. What shaped its exceptionally slim design?

The design concept behind the newest Galaxy Z series is “Emotive Slim” — an approach that focuses not only on reducing thickness, but also on how slim it looks and feels in everyday use.

We applied a gentle slope to the frame to make the foldable easier to open and created a more curved outer silhouette for a softer, more comfortable grip. We also minimized the flat side profile to create a visually slimmer appearance.

Q. Why was a passport chosen as the design inspiration for the new Galaxy Z Fold8?

The classic passport is designed to be easy to carry, hold with one hand and read at a glance. Those same ergonomic principles shaped Galaxy Z Fold8, extending our focus on comfort throughout the device’s overall layout.

When folded, it features a 16:10 aspect ratio optimized for one-handed use. Unfolded, it becomes a more immersive 4:3 display with balanced symmetry.

Q. How were these colors chosen for the new Galaxy Z series?

Each color was chosen to reflect the lifestyle of the people each device is designed for. Violet Shadow gives Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra a chic, sophisticated look, while Lavender brings freshness and softness to Galaxy Z Fold8. Pink adds vibrant, playful energy to Galaxy Z Flip8. Cream and Graphite round out the palette with timeless versatility.

Q. How did Samsung refine the design of Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9?

If a smartphone lives in the hand, a smartwatch delivers its greatest value when it’s comfortable enough to wear every day. That’s why our approach to the new Galaxy Watch series focused on refinement rather than reinvention, preserving our core design while enhancing the details that matter most.

At the center of Galaxy Watch is the cushion design. More than a shape, it defines the watch’s identity by balancing presence with softness and precision with comfort. For Galaxy Watch Ultra2, we brought the screen, bezel and cushion body into a seamless form, creating a cleaner profile and a more premium look. We also carefully refined the spacing and tactile separation between the buttons, making each one easier to distinguish by touch and enabling precise control without looking at the screen.

Q. How have the bands on Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 changed?

Bands play a critical role in wearability. For this generation, we made them lighter, thinner and more breathable with a new air pocket structure.

Because every wrist is different, we used computational design to validate comfort and fit using more than one hundred million real-user wrist data and ten thousand of simulations. We refined the balance between the watch body and band for greater stability on the wrist, while expanded band options give users more ways to express their personal style.

Q. What design philosophy ties this year’s Galaxy devices together?

In an era shaped by AI-driven change, human-centered values are more important than ever. Design shouldn’t only be seen — it should also be felt. For design to feel truly human, it must begin with a deep understanding of how people live, work and interact with technology every day. That belief has guided our approach to designing foldables and smartwatches.