Samsung is reportedly developing the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, positioning it as the true successor to the original Galaxy Watch Ultra rather than the minor 2025 refresh that added only extra storage and a new color option.
Leaked Launch Timeline
Recent reports from GalaxyClub indicate Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in summer 2026, likely around July during a Galaxy Unpacked event alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 series, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. This timeline aligns with Samsung’s foldable launch schedule, skipping major Ultra upgrades in 2025 to deliver a more substantial update.
Development Details
Internally codenamed Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra, the device builds directly on the Galaxy Watch 9 platform, mirroring how the first Ultra stemmed from the Watch 7 Ultra. Samsung appears to be adopting a slower release cycle for its rugged smartwatch line, similar to Apple’s approach with the Watch Ultra series, to allow for bigger leaps in hardware.
Potential Upgrades
While specific specs remain scarce, experts anticipate enhancements like a more efficient chipset for better battery life, brighter displays, advanced health sensors, and possibly dual-chip processing to boost performance. The design may retain the rugged aesthetic but could introduce architectural refreshes to compete strongly with rivals like the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Leaks suggest no major redesign yet, focusing instead on meaningful improvements over the 2024 and 2025 models.