Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, scheduled for January 22nd at 1 PM ET, is poised to unveil the next generation of Galaxy S smartphones and showcase advancements in software, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. The event, which will be streamed live on YouTube, Samsung’s website, and its newsroom page, is anticipated to center around the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, encompassing the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. While the S25 and S25 Plus are expected to retain a similar design language to their predecessors, the S25 Ultra is rumored to sport subtle design refinements, including slightly rounded corners, as suggested by recently leaked renders. Beyond the hardware reveals, Samsung is also expected to delve into software innovations, highlighting the capabilities of One UI 7, its customized version of Android 15.
The Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to embody incremental upgrades over the S24 lineup. While the S25 and S25 Plus are not expected to deviate significantly from their predecessors’ design, the S25 Ultra is rumored to introduce subtle yet noticeable aesthetic changes. Leaked renders suggest the presence of slightly rounded corners, a departure from the sharper edges of previous models. This design modification could contribute to a more comfortable in-hand feel and a sleeker overall appearance. Furthermore, Samsung has confirmed that its 2025 Galaxy devices will incorporate Qi2 wireless charging support, the successor to the widely adopted Qi standard. However, it remains to be seen whether this implies full MagSafe-like functionality or if a magnetic case will be required to leverage the full potential of Qi2.
One UI 7, Samsung’s bespoke Android 15 skin, is poised to take center stage at the Unpacked event. The new iteration of Samsung’s software overlay, which entered beta testing last month, introduces a suite of new features and enhancements. Among the most prominent additions is the “Now Bar,” a dynamic notification system reminiscent of Apple’s Dynamic Island, providing users with quick access to real-time information and app controls. A redesigned camera app is also on the horizon, promising improved functionality and a more intuitive user experience. Furthermore, One UI 7 offers the ability to disable HDR content, allowing users to avoid the sometimes jarring experience of overly bright videos in their social media feeds. Samsung’s emphasis on AI integration suggests that One UI 7 will seamlessly incorporate AI-powered features and multimodal capabilities across various touchpoints.
Beyond the S25 series, the Galaxy Unpacked event may also shed light on other developments within Samsung’s product ecosystem. While the existence of a Galaxy S25 “Slim” model has been rumored, recent leaks suggest that this variant may not see a release in the US market. This raises questions about the device’s positioning and potential target audience. Furthermore, there is speculation that Samsung might provide updates on “Project Moohan,” a mixed-reality headset that has been in development for some time. This device could represent Samsung’s entry into the burgeoning mixed-reality space, potentially offering competition to established players like Apple and Meta.
The inclusion of Qi2 wireless charging support in the Galaxy S25 series signifies Samsung’s commitment to embracing the latest technological advancements. Qi2, based on Apple’s MagSafe technology, promises improved charging efficiency and a more secure magnetic connection between the device and the charger. This feature could eliminate the frustration of misaligned chargers and ensure optimal charging speeds. However, the extent of Qi2 implementation in the S25 lineup remains uncertain. If the devices are merely “Qi2 Ready,” users may need to purchase a magnetic case to unlock the full magnetic alignment capabilities of Qi2, similar to Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.
The overarching theme of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is likely to revolve around the integration of AI into its products and services. Samsung’s recent announcements and teasers have heavily emphasized the role of AI in enhancing user experiences. One UI 7’s integration of AI agents and multimodal capabilities suggests a move towards more personalized and intuitive interactions with Samsung devices. This could manifest in features such as intelligent assistants, proactive suggestions, and context-aware automation. The event is expected to provide a deeper dive into Samsung’s AI strategy and its vision for the future of mobile technology.
