Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 Specs Leak Ahead of July 22 Launch
Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026, according to multiple leaks and industry sources. The new smartwatches, expected to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, will serve as Samsung’s flagship wearable refresh for 2026, replacing the Watch 8 and first-generation Ultra models.
The Galaxy Watch 9 will be available in two case sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm, maintaining the same dimensions as its predecessor, the Watch 8, according to multiple leaks compiled by TechAdvisor and NokiaPowerUser. The smaller model is expected to feature a 1.34-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 438 by 438 pixels, while the larger 44 mm variant will have a 1.47-inch panel at 480 by 480 pixels, sources told PhoneArena. Both models are said to use sapphire crystal for screen protection and retain an aluminum case with 5 ATM water resistance, an IP68 rating, and MIL-STD-810 durability certification, indicating a rugged but lightweight design similar to the Watch 8.
The Ultra 2 is expected to have 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, an increase over the Watch 9’s anticipated 32 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM.
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is reported to come in a single 47 mm titanium case with a “squircle” rounded-square shape, according to leaks cited by TechAdvisor and NokiaPowerUser. The Ultra 2 will be offered in Titanium Gray and Titanium Silver finishes and is expected to feature enhanced durability with 10 ATM water resistance, IP68 protection, and MIL-STD-810 certification. Sapphire crystal will protect the display, supporting the watch’s positioning as a premium outdoor and fitness device. The Ultra 2 is also said to include a customizable Quick Button, distinguishing it functionally from the circular Watch 9.
Performance upgrades for the Ultra 2 reportedly include Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor built on a 3-nanometer process, featuring a dedicated neural processing unit for AI-enhanced functions, according to multiple sources including NokiaPowerUser and PhoneArena. The processor for the Watch 9 remains unconfirmed, with some leaks suggesting Samsung will continue using the Exynos W1000 chip found in previous models, while others expect the Snapdragon Wear Elite to be used across both watches. Analysts note that any performance improvements on the Watch 9 are likely to be modest and driven more by software updates, including Wear OS 7 and One UI Watch 9, than by hardware changes.
Battery capacity is expected to increase notably for both models. The 40 mm Galaxy Watch 9 reportedly will have a 382 mAh battery, marketed as 400 mAh, which is approximately 23% larger than the Watch 8’s 325 mAh cell, while the 44 mm model is expected to hold around 435 mAh, according to leaks aggregated by TechAdvisor and PhoneArena. The Ultra 2 will reportedly feature a 784 mAh battery, marketed as 800 mAh, representing a 30 to 35 percent increase over the current Ultra’s 590 mAh cell. This larger battery aims to provide three to four days of use under typical conditions. Both watches are expected to support 10-watt wireless charging, with a full charge time of approximately 70 to 80 minutes for the Watch 9.
Connectivity options for the Galaxy Watch 9 will include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optional LTE, while the Ultra 2 will support Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 6, 4G, and 5G in selected markets, alongside satellite messaging capabilities for emergency communications, according to leaks reported by TechAdvisor and NokiaPowerUser. The 5G and satellite features are expected to be available in the United States and South Korea, with LTE and Bluetooth-only variants planned for Europe.
Both smartwatches will run Wear OS 7 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 9 interface, built on Android 17, marking the next generation of Samsung’s wearable software, sources confirmed. The Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to use Samsung’s BioActive sensor array, which includes heart rate monitoring, ECG, body composition analysis, blood oxygen (SpO₂) measurement, and skin temperature tracking. Some leaks mention an antioxidant index feature, though a rumored non-invasive blood glucose sensor remains unconfirmed and is considered speculative by analysts. The Ultra 2 is anticipated to leverage its AI capabilities and extended battery life to offer advanced health coaching, recovery metrics, and enhanced safety features.
Pricing leaks from European sources suggest the Galaxy Watch 9 will start at approximately €409, with U.S. prices for the 40 mm Bluetooth model expected around $349 to $399, representing a roughly $50 increase over the previous generation, according to NokiaPowerUser and TechAdvisor. The Ultra 2 is projected to start at €749, positioning it as Samsung’s premium flagship smartwatch, particularly with its 5G and satellite connectivity options. The Watch 9 is expected in Cream and Graphite colors, offered in Bluetooth-only and LTE variants, while the Ultra 2 will focus on titanium finishes with Bluetooth, LTE, and 5G connectivity tiers.
Samsung’s 2026 smartwatch lineup strategy appears to follow a three-tier approach, according to industry reporting: the standard Galaxy Watch 9 targeting mainstream users, the Ultra 2 aimed at power users and outdoor enthusiasts, and a possible Classic-type model that has yet to be prominently featured in leaks. The Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, while not officially confirmed by Samsung, is widely anticipated by multiple sources as the launch venue for these devices, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 foldable smartphones. General retail availability is expected in early August 2026, based on European industry projections.
