GoKawiilAs summer arrives, Samsung might be getting ready to debut the next generation of Galaxy watches. Mounting evidence for both the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues to emerge through firmware leaks, certification filings and battery reports that paint the clearest picture yet of Samsung's wearable plans.
The latest clue comes from a Chinese 3C regulatory filing first spotted by Jeff Springer at SammyGuru, which lists two upcoming smartwatch models believed to be the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. While the filing itself doesn't reveal much beyond support for 10W charging (the same as last year's models), the fact that both devices have reached this stage is one of the strongest signs yet that they exist and are nearing an official launch.
But the most exciting rumor has to do with everyone's top wishlist item: battery life. According to a report from SamMobile, later highlighted by 9to5Google, Samsung's rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might be getting a massive new battery. If true, the rumored 800-mAh battery would be the largest in the Wear OS ecosystem and could push battery life way beyond the roughly two-day territory occupied by the current Ultra.
As wearables increasingly move toward holistic health tracking that requires overnight monitoring for recovery metrics and deeper health insights, companies such as Google and Whoop have opted for screenless wearables that prioritize battery life over function. The Ultra 2 could represent a middle ground, combining multi-day endurance with the broader functionality of a traditional smartwatch.
Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 design
Last year, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 debuted a somewhat controversial redesign, making the return of the Galaxy Watch Classic and its physical rotating bezel all the more welcome. This year, a new Classic model doesn't seem likely, though another redesign isn't completely out of the question.
The rugged Ultra, which debuted in 2024, got some minor updates in the last cycle, including expanded storage (up to 64GB) and a new color option, but otherwise remained largely unchanged.
That means both the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could be due for a design refresh in response to criticism of the current lineup.
The next Galaxy Watch Ultra could adopt the rotating bezel from the Classic. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
At 47mm, the Ultra is already pushing the limits of wrist real estate, but a rotating bezel borrowed (from the Classic line) would be an interesting addition. Whether that feature makes sense on a rugged, adventure-focused smartwatch is another question.
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