New leaks suggest Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will debut at a July 22, 2026, Unpacked event in London, featuring new color options and a significant design shift for the Ultra 2. Notably, regulatory filings indicate Samsung will not release a Classic model this year, breaking a pattern for the popular smartwatch line. These devices are anticipated to showcase advanced health features powered by a new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip.
Next-Gen Galaxy Watches Poised for Summer Debut
Samsung is reportedly preparing to unveil its next generation of smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, at an anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. This major announcement is expected to take place in London, a new venue for Samsung's summer launches, and will likely feature alongside new foldable smartphones and augmented reality glasses.
Unpacked Event Details and Product Lineup
Reports from Korean media, including Korea Economic Daily TV, pinpoint July 22, 2026, as the date for Samsung's next Unpacked event. While Samsung has not yet issued an official media advisory, this date has been widely corroborated by several tech publications. The event is expected to showcase a broad range of new devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, and Samsung's first AI smart glasses running Android XR. For more information on Android XR, you can visit the official Android developer documentation.
Design and Feature Updates for Galaxy Watch Series
Leaked details, initially shared by @GalaxyTechie on X, reveal several key changes for the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Both models are expected to be available in new color variants, including black, silver, and beige. A significant departure from previous releases is the apparent absence of a Galaxy Watch Classic model for 2026, a claim strongly supported by recent FCC and CMIIT regulatory filings that do not list a Classic model number.
"The new chip will help the watch become an even more complete wellness companion." — InKang Song, Head of Technology Strategy, Samsung Mobile Business
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, in particular, is anticipated to feature a more distinct design, building on the "squircle" aesthetic (a circular display within a square chassis) introduced with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra. It is also rumored to sport thinner bezels and a redesigned side button that will feature an orange outline rather than a solid orange color. On the performance front, Qualcomm confirmed at MWC 2026 that the next-generation Galaxy Watch will integrate its powerful Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. This 3-nanometer (nm) processor promises substantial improvements, including:
- Up to five times faster CPU performance
- Up to seven times faster GPU performance
- Approximately 30% better battery efficiency
- Dedicated AI capabilities for on-device processing
- Support for 5G connectivity and satellite messaging
While the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip is confirmed for the next Galaxy Watch, reports conflict on whether both the Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will receive it, or if the standard Watch 9 will retain the existing Exynos W1000 processor.
What This Means
The rumored changes to Samsung's smartwatch lineup signal a strategic focus on advanced health tracking, AI integration, and a refined design language. The potential discontinuation of the Classic model, known for its physical rotating bezel, suggests Samsung is streamlining its offerings, possibly to emphasize the more rugged Ultra line and the core Watch series. For professionals and tech enthusiasts, the inclusion of the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip with its AI capabilities could unlock new levels of on-device intelligence and efficiency, making these wearables more powerful health companions. The move to a London Unpacked event also highlights Samsung's global market ambitions, particularly in premium segments.
Key Points
- Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are expected to launch at a July 22, 2026, Unpacked event in London.
- The 2026 lineup is unlikely to include a Galaxy Watch Classic model, as indicated by regulatory filings.
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is rumored to feature a "boxier" design, thinner bezels, and a side button with an orange outline.
- Both new smartwatches are anticipated to run One UI 9.0 Watch, based on Wear OS 7, with an overhauled Samsung Health app.
- The next Galaxy Watch will incorporate Qualcomm's new 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, offering significant performance and AI enhancements.
The Bottom Line
Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 aim to push the boundaries of wearable technology with advanced processors, enhanced health features, and updated designs. While the absence of a Classic model may disappoint some fans of the rotating bezel, the focus on the Ultra 2's ruggedness and the core Watch 9's capabilities, combined with powerful new silicon, positions Samsung to compete fiercely in the premium smartwatch market. Tech enthusiasts should watch closely for the official Unpacked event in July 2026 for full details on these highly anticipated devices.