Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 Leaks Hint at Samsung’s 2026 Smartwatch Strategy

Samsung is currently gearing up for the February 25th launch of the Galaxy S26, but a massive new leak has already shifted the spotlight to the second half of 2026.

Recent listings in the GSMA IMEI database (first uncovered by Smartprix) have officially confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

While model numbers like SM-L345U and SM-L716U might look like jargon, they reveal a major strategic “course correction” for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem.

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⚡ Key Takeaways for 2026

• Confirmed Models: Galaxy Watch 9 (SM-L345U) and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (SM-L716U).
• The “True” Successor: Unlike the minor color refresh in 2025, the Ultra 2 is a ground-up hardware sequel.
• Strategic Shift: Samsung appears to be mirroring its tablet strategy (Tab S12+ and Ultra) by focusing on two high-performance tiers and skipping the “Classic” model for now.
• Launch Window: Expected August 2026 at Galaxy Unpacked.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Why the “2” Matters

In 2025, Samsung disappointed some fans by releasing a “Titanium Blue” refresh rather than a full hardware update.

The appearance of a unique model number (SM-L716U) for the Ultra 2 confirms that Samsung is moving back to a two-year major upgrade cycle for its rugged flagship.

What we expect:

• Dual-Chip Architecture: Rumors suggest a new 3nm co-processor to handle “Always-On” health tasks, potentially pushing battery life to the 4-day mark.
• The “Holy Grail” Sensor: Supply chain whispers indicate Samsung is finally nearing a consumer-ready non-invasive glucose trend monitor—a feature that would put them years ahead of the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Leaks: The Power of Refinement

The standard Watch 9 (SM-L345U) isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel. Instead, Samsung is focusing on biometric density.

By thinning out the sensor housing, Samsung aims to make the Watch 9 the most comfortable sleep-tracking wearable on the market.

In a year where “AI Health Coaching” is the primary selling point of One UI 8.5 Watch, comfort is king; you can’t get AI insights if the watch is too bulky to wear to bed.

2026 Wearable Comparison: Predicted Specs

Feature	Galaxy Watch 9	Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Model Number	SM-L345U	SM-L716U
Build Material	Armor Aluminium	Grade 5 Titanium
New Hardware	3nm Exynos W1100 (Est.)	Dual-Chip “Performance + Low Power”
Health Focus	AI Sleep & Nutrition Coaching	Advanced GPS & Glucose Trends
Battery Life	40–50 Hours	100+ Hours (Power Save Mode)

Analysis: Is Samsung Abandoning the “Classic” User?

The most notable absence in the IMEI database is a “Watch 9 Classic.” This mirrors a shift seen in the Galaxy Tab S12 leaks, where the base model was reportedly scrapped in favour of a “Plus and Ultra” duo.

By focusing on just two models, Samsung is simplifying its lineup to better compete with Apple. They want the choice to be simple:

1. The Watch 9: For the everyday user who wants a sleek, health-focused accessory.
2. The Ultra 2: For the enthusiast who demands Garmin-level endurance and Apple-level smarts.

When Can You Buy It?

Historically, devices appear in the IMEI database roughly 6 months before launch. This aligns perfectly with an August 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event, where the watches will likely debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.

Final Thoughts

2026 isn’t about “gimmicks” for Samsung; it’s about reliability. If the Ultra 2 can finally deliver a consistent 4-day battery life and medical-grade accuracy, it won’t just be a “smartwatch”—it will be a vital health tool.

What’s your take? Are you waiting for the Ultra 2’s endurance, or is the thinner Watch 9 design more your style? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read : – Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm LTE) Deal: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?

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