Verizon today announced the launch of preorders for Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, alongside the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2, with a focus on simplifying customer plans and offering substantial savings. The devices, available starting July 22 at Verizon stores, verizon.com, and the My Verizon app, will be widely available on August 7.
The new lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold8, priced at $1,899.99, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra at $2,099.99, available in colors like Lavender, Graphite, and Cream. Verizon is pairing these devices with its Simplicity Plan, which eliminates network tiers and offers flat-rate pricing. New customers can get the Galaxy Z Fold8 (256GB) for $60 per month over 48 months, with no trade-in required, by opening a new line on Simplicity, signing up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing, and switching their number from another carrier. This effectively reduces the monthly device payment to $30 after a $460 promotional credit.
For the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, new customers can save up to $420 by purchasing on a 48-month payment plan, bringing the monthly device cost to $35. Existing customers can upgrade and save up to $1,100 by trading in an eligible phone and switching to an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan. The trade-in credit is applied over 36 months, and the phone must be active on the account for at least 60 days before purchase.
Verizon is also offering an Ultimate Bundle: customers who buy a new Samsung phone on a payment plan or bring their own Samsung phone can get a Galaxy Watch9 and a Galaxy Tab S10 FE at no cost. The catch is adding a service line for each device, starting at $15 per month with Auto Pay, with Verizon covering hardware costs through monthly credits of up to $650 per device over 36 months.
For business customers, Verizon is offering up to $900 off the Galaxy Z8 series for new and existing business customers adding a line or upgrading with a qualifying trade-in, requiring a device payment plan and My Biz Plan with $15+ monthly add-on spending.
The company is also rolling out a new loyalty program via the My Verizon app, offering cash back in Verizon Dollars monthly, daily surprises, and eliminating upgrade and activation fees. Additionally, all Verizon customers can participate in Verizon Shine for weekly chances to win experiences, daily drops like concert tickets, and gift cards.
To sweeten the deal, customers who purchase a qualifying Galaxy Z Fold8 or Z Fold8 Ultra can get the Disney+, Hulu, & ESPN+ (With Ads) Perk for six months on us, then $10 per month, with Simplicity Plan or myPlan.
This launch underscores Verizon's strategy to reduce carrier friction and make high-end devices more attainable. By simplifying plans and offering aggressive promotions, Verizon aims to attract new customers and retain existing ones, while Samsung's foldable technology gains broader market traction. The impact could be significant for consumers seeking premium multitasking devices without the typical carrier complexity, potentially accelerating foldable adoption in the US.
