Samsung will host a live event later on Thursday, where the technology firm is expected to unveil two new smartphones. The Korean technology giant is reportedly set to launch a new version of its Galaxy S6 edge, which has a curved screen on both sides of the device, while rumours suggest the firm’s next phablet, the Galaxy Note 5, could also be seen.

Traditionally Samsung has waited until September to announce a new generation of its Note device, which comes with its own stylus, but there are suggestions an announcement has been brought forward this year in order to steal a march on rivals Apple.

The iPhone maker is expected to announce the new iPhone — either the iPhone 6s or iPhone 7 — on September 9, meaning any Samsung devices announced could beat the next iPhone to market. A second generation of the S6 edge is expected following high demand for it since its launch earlier this year — with it proving more popular than the standard S6.

It has been so popular Samsung has struggled to meet demand at times due to the manufacturing process being slower because of the curved screen. Despite this demand, sales figures continue to be sluggish; in the firm’s most recent financial results earnings across the company were down 8 per cent, but 38 per cent in the mobile division, as Apple and Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi start to squeeze Samsung’s space in the smartphone market.

The live event — Unpacked — takes place in New York and is being live-streamed online, with Samsung hoping to create enough excitement to begin its smartphone fightback.

PA