Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 have leaked in a series of renders that reveal the company’s most significant smartwatch redesign in years. The new watches feature thinner bezels, a boxier form factor, and updated health tracking sensors, with an expected launch in July 2026 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Galaxy Watch 9 Design Changes
Leaked renders from SamMobile and 9to5Google show the Galaxy Watch 9 with noticeably thinner bezels compared to the Watch 7. Samsung appears to have reduced the bezel width by roughly 30%, giving the display a more edge-to-edge look. The overall shape has shifted from circular to a subtly squared-off design, similar to what Apple did with the Apple Watch Series 10.
The color options leaked so far include Midnight Black, Cream, and a new Sage Green. According to PhoneArena, choosing certain colors forces specific band pairings, meaning not every color-band combination will be available at launch.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Gets a Boxier Look
The Watch Ultra 2 leak from Android Central shows Samsung moving toward a more rugged, angular design. The current Ultra has a rounded titanium body, but the successor adopts flat edges and a boxier silhouette. Thinner bezels are present here too, and the overall profile appears slimmer despite maintaining the same 47mm case size.
One notable detail from GSMArena: the Watch Ultra 2 may come in a version without 5G connectivity, which could bring the price down from the current model’s premium.
No Classic Model This Time
Despite earlier rumors suggesting a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic with a rotating bezel, the latest leaks from 9to5Google indicate Samsung is skipping the Classic variant entirely. The rotating bezel, a fan favorite since the original Galaxy Watch, appears to be gone for this generation. Samsung may be relying on the digital bezel and gesture controls introduced in One UI Watch 7 to fill the gap.
Health Sensor Upgrades
Samsung’s health sensor stack is getting an upgrade for 2026. The company announced “next-gen Galaxy Watch features for AI-powered everyday health companions” at a recent event. The new BioActive sensor is expected to improve accuracy for blood pressure monitoring and introduce continuous blood oxygen tracking during sleep, a feature Apple Watch has offered since Series 6.
The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are also expected to run the newer Exynos W1000 processor, which Samsung claims delivers 30% better performance than the W930 in current models.
FAQ
When will Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 launch?
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 at its July 2026 Unpacked event, which typically takes place alongside the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip announcements.
Will the Galaxy Watch 9 work with iPhones?
No. Samsung Galaxy Watches run on Wear OS and are designed exclusively for Android phones. They do not pair with iPhones.
Does the Galaxy Watch 9 have a rotating bezel?
According to the latest leaks, Samsung is not releasing a Classic variant with a physical rotating bezel for the Galaxy Watch 9 generation. The company is using a digital bezel with haptic feedback instead.
What is the expected price of Galaxy Watch 9?
Pricing has not been confirmed, but the Galaxy Watch 7 started at $299 for the 40mm Bluetooth model. The Watch 9 is expected to land in a similar range, with the Ultra 2 positioned above $600.
