Skip to main content

Samsung is having another Unpacked event on September 23 — we have no idea why

Samsung had its a big (virtual) Galaxy Unpacked event in early August, where it took the wraps off of the new Note 20 series and the Galaxy Live buds. Then, it had a second smaller Unpacked event where it launched the Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable. Now, the company is doing a third launch event in less than two months, which it has scheduled for September 23, and is being marketed with the tag line “Unpacked for Every Fan.”

The jury’s out as to what this event is actually for. Samsung has sent out an invitation to the event, which includes a graphic with two phone-shaped blobs. That’s about all the clues we have so far as to what we’ll see on September 23.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, we can always speculate. It’s possible that Samsung will launch “Fan Edition” versions of the phones that it has already launched this year. Or, perhaps we’ll see other devices and accessories that aren’t actual smartphones, but are instead related to the Galaxy ecosystem of products in some way. Or, maybe we’ll see the Bixby-based Samsung Galaxy Home smart speaker that was first announced over two years ago and has yet to be released. (Don’t hold your breath.)

It’s also possible that the event could be more software-related than hardware-related. Perhaps Samsung is using the fact that holding virtual events is relatively cheap compared to physical ones as an opportunity to put more eyes on the upcoming One UI 3.0 software release. A developer beta for One UI 3.0 was recently announced for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. So far, the beta is only for approved developers, and as such we don’t know exactly what kinds of new features are available just yet — but the operating system is built on Android 11. As such, the operating system will include things like better privacy controls, support for the new Chat Bubbles system, and more. You can check out our guide on all the new Android 11 features here.

The event will be held on September 23 at 7 a.m. PT, or 10 a.m. ET, and Samsung will be livestreaming the event straight from its website — so if you’re as curious as we are as to what to expect, be sure to tune in.

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 waterproof?
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 with its cover screen on.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, announced on July 10, is Samsung’s latest and greatest flip phone foldable. Similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, this model aims to revive the folding flip phone market, which was largely considered obsolete just a few years ago.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasts a better processor (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and an improved battery. On the exterior, the phone features an enhanced Armor Aluminum frame and a slightly larger secondary screen. It ships in Light Blue, Mint, Silver Shadow, Yellow, Crafted Black, Peach, and White colors.

Read more
Does the Samsung Galaxy Ring work with the iPhone?
The side of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Samsung has unveiled its newest product, the Samsung Galaxy Ring. While we mostly see iterative updates to Samsung's lineup of phones and smartwatches, the Galaxy Ring is a brand new product category for Samsung, and that’s a big deal.

Smart rings have become more popular in recent years as an alternative or complement to existing wearables, such as the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. The leading player in the smart ring market has been the Oura Ring, but that may be changing soon now that Samsung has entered the fray with the Galaxy Ring.

Read more
I’m not buying a Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and neither should you
Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.

Hoo boy, wasn't that a great Galaxy Unpacked? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are two devices that still seem futuristic despite being around for over half a decade now. The Galaxy Ring brings smart jewelry to the masses and is the subscription-free competition the Oura Ring needs. And what about the Galaxy Watch Ultra? Samsung's answer to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be derivative, but it's clear that Samsung is throwing absolutely everything at it.

What a show. What an incredible showcase of new technology and new ideas. What do you mean I've forgotten something? Oh, you're right. I forgot about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.

Read more