Last Updated: July 13, 2026 This page is updated within 24 hours of every major smartwatch announcement. Next update expected: July 22, 2026 — Samsung Unpacked night — Galaxy Watch 9 + Ultra 2: 26 days away — July 22, London — Garmin Cirqa: Imminent — Singapore IRIS cleared — Apple Watch Series 12 + Ultra 4: September 2026 — Garmin Fenix 9 + Enduro 4: Late 2026
Buying a smartwatch in 2026 is genuinely complicated — not because the options are bad, but because the timing matters more than it has in years.
Between now and October, every major brand is releasing something new. Some launches are worth waiting for. Others won’t meaningfully change the category. And several watches available right now are the correct buy regardless of what’s coming.
SmartWatchInsight has been tracking every smartwatch release since early 2026. This is the only guide you need — upcoming launches, already-available picks, what works with your phone, and which watches fit your budget and lifestyle.
We update this page within 24 hours of every official announcement. Bookmark it.
2026 Complete Smartwatch Launch Calendar
| Watch | Brand | Expected Launch | Status | Our Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Cirqa | Garmin | Any day now | 🟡 Imminent | Cirqa vs Whoop |
| Garmin Vivosmart 6 | Garmin | Imminent | 🟡 Imminent | vs Fitbit Air |
| Galaxy Watch 9 | Samsung | July 22, 2026 | ✅ Confirmed | Full leaks |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung | July 22, 2026 | ✅ Confirmed | Full leaks |
| Garmin Muscle Battery | Garmin | August 2026 | 🟡 Leaked | Coming soon |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple | September 2026 | 🔵 Strong leak | 2026 features |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Apple | September 2026 | 🔵 Strong leak | Ultra 4 leaks |
| Garmin Fenix 9 | Garmin | Sept–Oct 2026 | 🔵 APK confirmed | Fenix 9 guide |
| Garmin Enduro 4 | Garmin | Q3 2026 | 🔵 APK confirmed | Enduro 4 leaks |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | October 2026 | 🟡Ocean prototype leak | Pixel Watch Leak | |
| Apple Watch SE 4 | Apple | 2027 | 🟡 Leaked | Apple Watch SE 4 |
Status key:
- ✅ Officially confirmed launch date
- 🔵 Multiple independent credible sources agree
- 🟡 Single source or early stage — treat with caution
Already Available — Best Smartwatches Right Now
These watches are on sale today. No waiting required.
| Watch | Price | Battery | GPS | Best For | SmartWatchInsight Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 70 | $249 | 11-12 days | ✅ | Budget runners | 8.5/10 |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | ~$349 | 13 days | ✅ Dual-band | Mid-range runners | 8.5/10 |
| Garmin Forerunner 570 | ~$549 | 15 days | ✅ Dual-band | Serious runners | 9/10 |
| Garmin Venu 4 (41mm) | $499 | 8-9 days | ✅ Dual-band | Lifestyle + fitness | 9/10 |
| Garmin Vivoactive 6 | ~$299 | 11 days | ✅ | Casual fitness | 8/10 |
| Garmin Instinct 3 | ~$449 | 24-30 hrs | ✅ | Rugged outdoor | 8.5/10 |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | ~$349 | 36-40 hrs | ✅ | Pixel phone users | 8/10 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 | ~$249 | 40 hrs | ✅ Dual-band | Samsung phone users | 8/10 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399 | 24 hrs | ✅ | iPhone users | 8.5/10 |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | $199 | 18 hrs | ✅ | Budget iPhone | 7.5/10 |
| Fitbit Air | $99 | 7 days | ❌ Connected only | Budget tracker | 7.5/10 |
| Amazfit Balance 2 | ~$199 | 14 days | ✅ | Budget health | 8/10 |
| Coros Pace 3 | $229 | 17-38 hrs | ✅ Dual-band | Serious runners | 8.5/10 |
| Garmin Forerunner 70 | $249 | 11-12 days | ✅ | Budget Garmin | 8.5/10 |
Ratings by Sunil Bhatt, SmartWatchInsight — based on 30+ days personal testing per watch.
Casual runner wondering which Garmin to buy before fall launches? Read this first.
What’s Launching This Month — June/July 2026
Garmin Cirqa — Recovery Band
Status: 5-region trademark confirmed
July 9 update: Garmin Cirqa trademark now confirmed in 5 regions — USA, Canada, Europe, Singapore, UAE
Canadian filing hints at possible EDA stress sensing not available on Whoop.
This is the strongest pre-launch signal yet. Launch could happen any day.
Expected specs:
- Screenless band — two sizes (S/M and L/XL)
- Elevate Gen 5 sensor
- Bluetooth only — no ANT+, no GPS
- No mandatory subscription
- Expected price: ~$420
Who it’s for: Existing Garmin watch owners who want 24/7 recovery and sleep tracking without wearing their main watch overnight.
Full comparison: Garmin Cirqa vs Whoop — Should You Wait or Buy Now?
Garmin Vivosmart 6 — Slim Fitness Band
Status: Imminent — regulatory filings cleared
First Vivosmart in series history with built-in standalone GPS. Expected at $150–$180 — may launch alongside the Cirqa as a twin announcement.
Who should wait: Anyone who goes for walks or casual runs and wants GPS without carrying their phone.
Full comparison: Garmin Vivosmart 6 vs Fitbit Air — Which Should You Buy?
July 22, 2026 — Samsung Unpacked London
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
Status: ✅ Confirmed — July 22, 2026
What’s confirmed:
- Sizes: 40mm and 44mm — no Classic model
- Colors: Size-dependent — beige, black/blue, silver/green
- Battery: 382mAh (40mm) — 23% larger than Watch 8
- Chip: Exynos W1000 — most likely same as Watch 8
- OS: Wear OS 7 + One UI 9 Watch
- New Samsung Health platform — 5 pillars: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness, Vitals
- Expected price: ~$349+
Should you buy Galaxy Watch 8 now? No. 26 days is nothing. Galaxy Watch 8 prices will drop $50–$100 immediately after July 22.
Full guide: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 complete leaks
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Status: ✅ Confirmed — July 22, 2026
What’s confirmed:
- Chip: Snapdragon Wear Elite — confirmed by Qualcomm MWC 2026
- Battery: ~784–800mAh (35% larger than original Ultra)
- Design: Slightly boxier, numbered bezel, Titanium Gray only — 2 colors
- Connectivity: LTE only — no Bluetooth-only variant
- 5G: Yes — US and South Korea only
- Expected price: ~$649–$699
The Ultra 2 is Samsung’s most significant watch upgrade in years — new chip, 33% bigger battery, 5G, and a redesigned bezel.
For the complete breakdown including whether it’s worth upgrading from the original and how it compares to Apple Watch Ultra 2, see our dedicated Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 buyer’s guide.
Choosing between Watch 9 and Ultra 2? Galaxy Watch 9 vs Ultra 2 — Which Should You Buy?
September 2026 — Apple Fall Event
Apple Watch Series 12
Status: 🔵 Strong leak — September 2026
What’s expected:
- New S11 chip — first real upgrade since Series 9
- Blood pressure monitoring — strong rumor
- watchOS 27: Gemini AI, new watch faces, Dynamic App Grid
- Starting price: ~$399 — same as Series 11
Should you buy Apple Watch Series 11 now? Only at a meaningful discount. September is ~10 weeks away.
Full guide: Apple Watch 2026 complete features guide
Apple Watch Ultra 4
Status: 🔵 Strong leak — September 2026
What’s expected:
- 15% thinner case — ~12.2mm vs current 14.4mm
- New 8-sensor ring array — more accurate HR during exercise
- Real-time blood pressure alerts — under FDA review
- Battery: 48–72 hours expected
- Expected price: ~$799–$899
Should you buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 now? Only if deeply discounted. September is ~10 weeks away.
Full guide: Apple Watch Ultra 4 complete leaks
Fall 2026 — Garmin Launches
Garmin Fenix 9
Status: 🔵 APK confirmed — September to October 2026
Found inside Garmin Connect app version 5.26 in June 2026 alongside the Enduro 4 — Garmin’s own code confirming it exists.
What’s expected:
- New chipset — faster performance
- AMOLED and Solar/MIP variants
- Satellite messaging — inReach integration
- Expected price: ~$999–$1,499 depending on configuration
Should you buy Fenix 8 now? Only at $150+ discount. Full price is hard to justify with Fenix 9 this close.
Full guide: Garmin Fenix 9 complete leaks guide
Garmin Enduro 4
Status: 🔵 APK confirmed — Q3 2026
What’s expected:
- MIP Solar display — extreme battery endurance
- 110+ hours GPS battery
- Full Fenix 9 feature set
- Expected price: ~$899–$999
Should you buy Enduro 3 now? No. Enduro 4 is confirmed. Wait.
Full guide: Garmin Enduro 4 complete leaks guide
Google Pixel Watch 5
Status: 🟡 Strong leak — August 12, 2026 Google event York City
Expected to be the first Pixel Watch with a custom Google Tensor wearable chip. Other rumored upgrades: sapphire crystal display, ~4,000 nit peak brightness, and improved battery from new silicon.
Who should upgrade from Pixel Watch 4? Probably not — Pixel Watch 4 only launched October 2025. The Tensor chip is the only upgrade big enough to justify it for most users.
Full review coming Augest 2026 — we’ll link it here.
Which Smartwatch Works With Your Phone?
Not all smartwatches work equally well with all phones. This matters before you buy.
iPhone Users
| Watch | Compatibility | What You Lose |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch (any) | ✅ Perfect — designed for iPhone | Nothing |
| Garmin (any) | ✅ Full features | iMessage reply, Apple Pay |
| Fitbit Air | ✅ Full features | Nothing significant |
| Amazfit (any) | ✅ Full features | Nothing significant |
| Coros (any) | ✅ Full features | Nothing significant |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | ⚠️ Limited | ECG, blood pressure, BIA body composition |
| Google Pixel Watch | ⚠️ Limited | Some Gemini AI features |
iPhone recommendation: Apple Watch for ecosystem users. Garmin Venu 4 or Forerunner 70 if battery life is your priority.
Samsung Phone Users
| Watch | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8/9 | ✅ Full features + extras | ECG, BP, BIA — Samsung phone exclusive |
| Garmin (any) | ✅ Full features | No Samsung Health integration |
| Google Pixel Watch | ✅ Most features | Some Pixel-exclusive features missing |
| Apple Watch | ❌ Does not work | iOS only |
Samsung recommendation: Galaxy Watch 9 (wait for July 22). Garmin if battery life matters more than ecosystem.
Google Pixel Users
| Watch | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | ✅ Full features + Better Together | Best integration — Pixel exclusive features |
| Garmin (any) | ✅ Full features | No Google Health integration |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | ✅ Most features | Loses some Samsung Health extras |
| Fitbit Air | ✅ Full features | Google Health app integration |
Pixel recommendation: Pixel Watch 4 now. Wait for Pixel Watch 5 only if Tensor chip is important to you.
Any Other Android Phone
| Watch | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Garmin (any) | ✅ Full features — no restrictions |
| Fitbit Air | ✅ Full features |
| Amazfit (any) | ✅ Full features |
| Coros (any) | ✅ Full features |
| Xiaomi Watch 5 | ✅ Full features |
| OnePlus Watch 3 | ✅ Full features |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | ⚠️ Works — loses Samsung Health extras |
Other Android recommendation: Garmin Forerunner 70 or Garmin Venu 4 — full features, no ecosystem restrictions.
Best Smartwatch by Budget — 2026
Under $100
Best: Fitbit Air ($99)
- No subscription for core features
- Excellent sleep tracking
- 7-day battery
- No standalone GPS
Runner up: Amazfit Heliostrap ($99)
- No subscription
- Good recovery tracking
- Solid app
Skip: Random no-name brands — high return rates, poor accuracy
Full guide – Best Fitness Trackers Under $100 (2026) — Bands Only, Tested & Ranked
$100–$250
Best: Garmin Forerunner 70 ($249)
- 11-12 days battery
- Standalone GPS
- Full Garmin training platform
- Works with iPhone and Android
Runner up: Coros Pace 3 ($229) — runners only
- 17-38 hours GPS battery
- Dual-band GPS
- Best battery per dollar for serious runners
Budget iPhone pick: Apple Watch SE 3 ($199)
- Fall detection, ECG
- iPhone only
Skip: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 right now — Watch 9 launches July 22
Full detailed Guide – Best Budget Smartwatches Under $200 (2026): I Tested 30+ So You Don’t Have To
$250–$400
Best for runners: Garmin Forerunner 265 (~$349)
- Dual-band GPS
- 13-day battery
- Better training analytics than FR70
Best for Pixel users: Google Pixel Watch 4 (~$349)
- Best Wear OS experience
- Gemini AI
- Fitbit health tracking
Best budget Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (~$249) — only after July 22 price drop
Skip: Apple Watch Series 11 at full price — Series 12 coming September
$400–$600
Best overall: Garmin Venu 4 41mm ($499)
- 8-9 days battery
- Best display Garmin makes
- Full women’s health suite
- Works with any phone
Runner up: Garmin Forerunner 570 (~$549)
- Best running watch under $600
- Full maps, dual-band GPS
- 15-day battery
Only buy 41mm Venu 4 — 45mm has high Amazon return rate
Full review: Is the Garmin Venu 4 Worth $499?
$600+
Wait for: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (~$649–$699) — July 22
Wait for: Apple Watch Ultra 4 (~$799–$899) — September
Wait for: Garmin Fenix 9 (~$999+) — Fall 2026
Only current buy at $600+: Garmin Fenix 8 — but only at $150+ discount
Read Review – Is the Garmin Fenix 8 Worth It? – A Detailed Review
Best Smartwatch for Your Lifestyle
I Run 3–5 Times a Week
Under $300: Garmin Forerunner 70 ($249) Read why: Garmin Forerunner 70 Review
$300–$400: Garmin Forerunner 265 (~$349) for dual-band GPS
$400–$600: Garmin Forerunner 570 (~$549) for maps + full analytics
Serious training or trail running: Wait for Garmin Fenix 9 — fall 2026
Full guide: Best Garmin Running Watches 2026
I Go to the Gym and Walk — Not a Serious Athlete
Under $100: Fitbit Air ($99) — no subscription, great sleep tracking
$150–$200: Amazfit Balance 2 (~$199) — 14-day battery, solid health tracking
$200–$300: Garmin Vivoactive 6 (~$299) — AMOLED display, Garmin ecosystem, 11-day battery
iPhone user: Apple Watch SE 3 ($199) — fall detection, cycle tracking
I Swim Regularly
Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 570 (~$549) — open water + pool swim tracking
Budget: Apple Watch SE 3 ($199) — 50m water resistant, swim tracking
Avoid: Fitbit Air — limited swim-specific tracking
I Want the Best Sleep Tracking
Most nights without charging: Garmin Forerunner 70 — 11-12 days means sleep tracking every night
Best sleep data depth: Garmin Venu 4 — circadian rhythm analysis, smart alarm free
iPhone user: Apple Watch Series 11 — best cycle + sleep combination on iOS
Frustrated with charging Apple Watch every night? Read our guide: I’m Tired of Charging My Apple Watch Every Night
I Travel Every Week for Work
Best: Garmin Venu 4 (41mm) — 8-9 days, works globally, Garmin Pay, no carrier dependency
iPhone essential: Apple Watch Series 11 — best iPhone integration, Apple Pay universal
Battery priority traveler: Garmin Forerunner 265 — 13 days, charge once per trip
I Want Safety Features — For Me or a Family Member
Best fall detection: Apple Watch Series 11 — most polished emergency response
Best for seniors: Apple Watch SE 3 ($199) — affordable + fall detection + emergency SOS
Outdoor safety: Garmin Fenix 8 — inReach satellite messaging in dead zones
Full guide: Best Smartwatches for Seniors with Fall Detection
I Care About Health Tracking Most
Blood pressure monitoring: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 — requires Samsung Galaxy phone
ECG + AFib: Apple Watch Series 11 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
HRV + Recovery + No Subscription: Garmin Venu 4 — Body Battery, sleep coaching, all free
Budget health tracking: Fitbit Air ($99) — AFib alerts, HRV, sleep stages, no subscription
I Have Small Wrists
Best fit: Garmin Venu 4 41mm — 33 grams, sits flat
Budget: Garmin Forerunner 70 — 40 grams, lightweight
iPhone: Apple Watch SE 3 40mm — clean and light
Avoid: Samsung Galaxy Watch 44mm — too large for smaller wrists
Full guide: Best Smartwatches for Women 2026
Safe Buys RIGHT NOW — No Waiting Needed
| Watch | Price | Why Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 70 | $249 | Just launched May 2026 — no replacement coming |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | ~$349 | Current gen — no replacement this year |
| Garmin Vivoactive 6 | ~$299 | Current gen — no replacement imminent |
| Fitbit Air | $99 | Just launched — no subscription needed |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | ~$349 | Pixel Watch 5 won’t be a dramatic upgrade |
| Amazfit Balance 2 | ~$199 | Best value health tracker right now |
| Coros Pace 3 | $229 | Best budget running watch — no replacement |
Do NOT Buy These Right Now — Successors Confirmed
| Watch | Reason | Wait For |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 at full price | Watch 9 — July 22 | Galaxy Watch 9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Ultra 2 — July 22 | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 at full price | Series 12 — September | Apple Watch Series 12 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 at full price | Ultra 4 — September | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
| Garmin Fenix 8 at full price | Fenix 9 — Fall 2026 | Garmin Fenix 9 |
| Garmin Enduro 3 at full price | Enduro 4 — Q3 2026 | Garmin Enduro 4 |
| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Frequently returned on Amazon | Forerunner 570 instead |
📊 SmartWatchInsight Launch Tracker
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Next update: July 22 — Samsung Unpacked night
THIS MONTH:
🟡 Garmin Cirqa — Any day now
🟡 Garmin Vivosmart 6 — Imminent
26 DAYS:
✅ Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 — July 22
✅ Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — July 22
~10 WEEKS:
🔵 Apple Watch Series 12 — September
🔵 Apple Watch Ultra 4 — September
FALL 2026:
🔵 Garmin Fenix 9 — Sept/Oct
🔵 Garmin Enduro 4 — Q3 2026
🟡 Garmin Muscle Battery — August
🟡 Google Pixel Watch 5 — October
— Tracked by Sunil Bhatt, SmartWatchInsight
— Updated within 24 hours of every launchArchived — what is the best smartwatch in 2026?
| Watch | Launch Date | Our Review |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 70 | May 15, 2026 | Full review |
| Garmin Forerunner 170 | May 15, 2026 | Coming soon |
| Fitbit Air | May 26, 2026 | vs Vivosmart 6 |
| Garmin Venu 4 | Sept 2025 | Full review |
| Amazfit Balance 3 | June 2, 2026 | Coming soon |
Coming Soon — Reviews We’re Publishing
We’ll link each review here the day it publishes:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 review — publishing July 2026
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 review — publishing July 2026
- Garmin Cirqa full review — publishing on launch day
- Garmin Vivosmart 6 review — publishing on launch day
- Apple Watch Series 12 review — publishing September 2026
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 review — publishing September 2026
- Garmin Fenix 9 review — publishing on launch day
- Google Pixel Watch 5 review — publishing October 2026
Bookmark this page — updated within 24 hours of every launch.
FAQ
What is the next smartwatch launching in 2026?
The Garmin Cirqa screenless recovery band is expected to launch any day — Singapore regulatory certification cleared in June 2026. After that, Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 launch July 22, 2026 at Unpacked in London.
Should I buy a smartwatch now or wait?
Depends on what you want. If you want Samsung — wait until July 22. If you want Apple Watch — wait until September. If you want Garmin Fenix or Enduro — wait until fall. If you want a Garmin Forerunner, Fitbit Air, or Pixel Watch 4 — buy now, no replacement is imminent.
When does Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 come out?
July 22, 2026 — Samsung Unpacked in London. Pre-orders open the same day. In-store availability expected early August based on previous Samsung launch patterns.
When does Apple Watch Series 12 come out?
September 2026 — Apple’s annual fall event, expected the second week of September. Pre-orders open the same day, deliveries around September 19-26, 2026.
When does Garmin Fenix 9 come out?
No confirmed date. The Fenix 9 was confirmed in Garmin Connect app code in June 2026. Based on Garmin’s launch cadence and the CEO’s “very active H2 outdoor” comment, September to October 2026 is the most likely window.
Is Google Pixel Watch 5 coming in 2026?
Strong leak points to October 2026 launch alongside Pixel 11 phones. Custom Google Tensor wearable chip, sapphire crystal display, and ~4,000 nit brightness are rumored.
What’s the best smartwatch for someone switching from Apple Watch?
If battery life is your main frustration — Garmin Venu 4 (8-9 days) or Garmin Forerunner 70 (11-12 days). Read our full guide: Tired of Charging Apple Watch Every Night?
Coming Soon — We’ll Link Reviews Here as Watches Launch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 full review — publishing July 2026
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 full review — publishing July 2026
- Garmin Cirqa full review — publishing on launch day
- Apple Watch Series 12 full review — publishing September 2026
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 full review — publishing September 2026
- Garmin Fenix 9 full review — publishing on launch day
- Google Pixel Watch 5 full review — publishing October 2026
Bookmark this page — we update it within 24 hours of every launch.
Sources
- Samsung official Unpacked July 22 event — confirmed event date
- Garmin official product page — current lineup
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you buy through our links at no extra cost to you.
Written by Sunil Bhatt — founder of SmartWatchInsight, independent smartwatch reviewer with 6+ years of experience and 300+ published articles. Every launch on this page is tracked in real time — we update within 24 hours of official announcements.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
