GoKawiilSamsung's summer Unpacked event is coming into view, and the wearables picture is getting clearer by the week. Leaks and GSMA database entries confirm what most observers had already assumed: The Galaxy Watch 9 and a true successor to the Ultra are both on the way, likely landing in late July or early August alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.
But what's becoming more interesting than their anticipated arrival is the rumored gap between them: a standard watch designed for everyday wear and biometric reliability on one side, and a flagship chasing 5G, possible glucose monitoring and four-day battery life on the other.
Last year, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 debuted a slightly controversial redesign, making the return of the Galaxy Watch Classic and its physical rotating bezel all the more satisfying. This year, a new Classic model doesn't seem likely (though another redesign isn't completely off the table). But there may be another headliner ready to steal attention from the flagship once again.
A report from GalaxyClub cited by Android Authority suggests Samsung may launch a new Galaxy Watch Ultra alongside the Galaxy Watch 9, likely in the summer of 2026. And based on recent leaks, that timeline is looking increasingly credible. Firmware for the Galaxy Watch 9 has reportedly been spotted on a US test server by Mohammed Khatri (as mentioned in Phone Arena), suggesting Samsung has moved from development into active testing and signaling that the rumored July launch window is on track.
The rugged smartwatch, which debuted in summer 2024, received a few updates in the last cycle, such as larger storage (up to 64GB) and a new color, but otherwise remained the same.
This year's Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to stick with a similar design and focus on performance upgrades. At 47mm, it already pushes the limits of wrist real estate, though a rotating bezel (like the one on the Galaxy Watch Classic) could be in play for the rugged smartwatch.
The next Galaxy Watch Ultra could adopt the rotating bezel from the Classic. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
Unlocking new health metrics
More realistically, the Ultra 2 could bring a new processor and upgraded sensors focused on deeper health tracking. Last year's most notable addition was Samsung's antioxidant index, which can detect nutrition-related signals through the skin's surface. This year, Samsung could go deeper into skin-based detection, with broader nutrition insights and potentially even noninvasive glucose monitoring -- one of the long-standing "holy grails" of wearable health tech that may finally be showing progress.
Improved connectivity
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