Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is just weeks away, and the leaks are already telling the full story. Two model numbers — spotted in the GSMA IMEI database back in February — have since been backed up by Qualcomm’s MWC announcement, Samsung Canada’s own trade-in page slip, and firmware found on Samsung’s internal servers. The Galaxy Watch 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are real, confirmed, and closer than ever.
This isn’t a routine regulatory filing story anymore. Between the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, a potential glucose sensor, and Samsung quietly dropping the Classic model, the 2026 lineup represents a genuine shift in how Samsung is competing with Apple and Garmin.
Whether you’re tracking the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 leaks, comparing the Galaxy Watch 9 vs Ultra 2, or just deciding if it’s worth waiting — this is everything confirmed so far.
Key Takeaways
- Confirmed: Galaxy Watch 9 (SM-L345U) and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (SM-L716U) both spotted in GSMA IMEI database
- No Watch 9 Classic — Samsung appears to be cutting it from the 2026 lineup entirely
- Ultra 2 is a real hardware upgrade, not another color refresh like 2025
- Snapdragon Wear Elite chip confirmed for the Ultra 2 at MWC 2026 by Qualcomm
- Non-invasive glucose monitoring may finally arrive — exclusive to the Ultra 2
- Expected launch: July 2026 at Galaxy Unpacked
Why These Model Numbers Are a Big Deal
If you’re not into the world of regulatory database leaks, the model numbers might look meaningless. But here’s why SM-L716U matters: it’s a brand-new model number for the Ultra.
In 2025, Samsung released what was essentially the same Galaxy Watch Ultra hardware in a new “Titanium Blue” colorway. It carried over the same core model designation, and fans were not happy about it. A new number for 2026 confirms Samsung is going back to real year-over-year hardware upgrades — not cosmetic refreshes.
That’s good news for anyone who skipped last year. If you’re currently on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and wondering whether to upgrade, the Watch 9 is shaping up to be exactly the generational leap you’ve been waiting for.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: What’s Actually New
The Ultra 2 is shaping up to be Samsung’s most ambitious smartwatch yet. Based on current leaks and supply chain reports, here’s what’s expected:
Snapdragon Wear Elite Chip (Ultra 2 Only)
At MWC 2026, Qualcomm publicly confirmed that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will run its new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform — the first personal AI-focused wearable chip built on 3nm technology.
This is a major differentiator from the standard Watch 9, which is expected to stick with Samsung’s Exynos W1000. The Snapdragon Wear Elite brings a dedicated Hexagon NPU for on-device AI processing, Wi-Fi 6, and significantly better power efficiency.
Dual-Chip Architecture & Battery Life
The most talked-about rumor beyond the chip is a dual-processor setup — the Snapdragon Wear Elite handling performance tasks like GPS and workouts, paired with a separate low-power co-processor to keep “Always-On” health sensors running without burning through your battery.
If this pans out, it could push the Ultra 2’s battery life to the 4-day mark under normal use — a huge jump from the roughly 60 hours you get on current Samsung flagship watches.
To understand just how significant that is, check out our breakdown of how the current Galaxy Watch Ultra stacks up against the toughest rugged smartwatches on the market.
Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring
This is the feature the wearable industry has been chasing for years. Supply chain sources suggest Samsung is closer than ever to a consumer-ready glucose trend sensor that doesn’t require a needle or a blood draw.
To be clear: this would likely show trends rather than exact blood glucose readings. But even that would be a massive leap forward — and it would put Samsung well ahead of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 in the health monitoring race.
Grade 5 Titanium Build
The Ultra 2 is expected to keep the premium titanium construction from its predecessor. Given how well-received the original’s durability was, that’s a smart call.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: The Smarter Everyday Watch
The standard Watch 9 isn’t trying to out-spec the Ultra. Instead, Samsung is playing a different game here: making it the most comfortable watch you’ll actually wear to bed.
That matters more than it sounds. Samsung is leaning hard into AI Health Coaching with One UI 8.5 Watch — but all those AI-powered sleep scores and recovery recommendations are useless if you take the watch off at night because it’s too bulky.
We saw this same philosophy start to emerge in the Galaxy Watch FE’s One UI 8 Watch update, where Samsung made comfort-first health tracking a centerpiece of the software.
The Watch 9 is reportedly getting a thinner sensor housing to solve exactly that problem. The goal is a watch that disappears on your wrist by 10 PM and gives you genuinely useful data by 7 AM.
On the chip side, the Watch 9 stays with the Exynos W1000 (the same chip powering the Galaxy Watch 8), though Samsung is expected to optimize it further for the new One UI 8.5 Watch AI features.
Predicted Specs Side-by-Side
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 9 | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | SM-L345U | SM-L716U |
| Build Material | Armor Aluminum | Grade 5 Titanium |
| Chip | Exynos W1000 (optimized) | Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm) |
| Health Focus | AI Sleep & Nutrition Coaching | Advanced GPS & Glucose Trends |
| Battery Life | 40–50 Hours | 80–100+ Hours |
| Starting Price (est.) | ~$299–$349 | ~$649–$699 |
What Happened to the Galaxy Watch 9 Classic?
There’s no model number for a Watch 9 Classic in the GSMA database. And at this stage, that absence is telling.
Samsung appears to be mirroring the same move it made with the Galaxy Tab S12 lineup — dropping the mid-tier option and pushing users toward a clear two-tier choice. It’s worth noting that Samsung had already been experimenting with dropping the Classic back with the Watch 8 lineup, so this isn’t a completely surprising direction.
The 2026 choice is simple:
- Watch 9 — the everyday health watch for most people
- Ultra 2 — the enthusiast-grade, endurance-focused flagship
It’s a smarter way to compete with Apple. The Apple Watch lineup is easy to understand: regular Series or Ultra. Samsung’s lineup — with Classic, standard, and Ultra variants at varying price points — has always been harder to navigate. Simplifying it removes friction for buyers.
That said, if you loved the rotating physical bezel on the Classic, it looks like 2026 won’t be your year. In the meantime, the best rugged smartwatches of 2026 give you a solid idea of where the Ultra 2 will need to land to compete.
When Will the Galaxy Watch 9 Launch?
Historically, Samsung devices appear in the GSMA IMEI database about 5–6 months before they go on sale. Beyond that, Samsung Canada accidentally listed the Galaxy Watch 9 on a trade-in eligibility page in May 2026 — which strongly suggests the company is already preparing retail databases for an imminent launch.
All signs now point to a July 25, 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event in London, where the Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Pre-orders typically open the same day as the Unpacked event, with shipping starting 2–3 weeks later.
The Bigger Picture: Samsung’s 2026 Wearable Strategy
Here’s what stands out when you zoom out from the individual specs: Samsung is finally committing to reliability over novelty.
The Snapdragon Wear Elite chip in the Ultra 2 isn’t just a spec upgrade — it’s a platform choice that signals Samsung is ready to let Qualcomm’s AI hardware carry the next generation of health features. The Watch 9’s comfort-first approach makes the health data more useful for the average person. And the glucose monitoring, if it arrives, won’t just be a smartwatch feature. It’ll be a medical-grade tool that happens to sit on your wrist.
If you’re trying to decide whether to hold out or grab the current generation now, our best budget smartwatches under $200 guide covers some genuinely strong options that won’t leave you feeling like you missed out.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are shaping up to be the most meaningful Samsung wearable upgrades in years. The Ultra 2’s Snapdragon chip, 4-day battery push, and potential glucose sensor are the real story here — but don’t sleep on the Watch 9’s comfort-first design philosophy either.
July 2026 can’t come fast enough.
Are you holding out for the Ultra 2’s endurance, or does the thinner Watch 9 sound more like your style? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 release date?
Samsung hasn’t officially announced a date yet, but multiple leaks and Samsung Canada’s own accidental trade-in page listing now point to a July 25, 2026 launch at Galaxy Unpacked in London. Samsung traditionally unveils new smartwatches alongside the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series at its summer event.
How much will the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 cost?
Expect the Ultra 2 to start somewhere between $649 and $699. That keeps it in direct competition with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and reflects the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, premium titanium build, and advanced health sensors expected in the device.
Will the Galaxy Watch 9 have a rotating bezel?
Based on current leaks, no. The SM-L345U model doesn’t appear to include a physical rotating bezel. With no Watch 9 Classic confirmed for 2026, Samsung is focused on two tiers — standard Watch 9 and the Ultra 2 — rather than a three-model lineup.
What is the expected battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
The Ultra 2 is rumored to use a dual-chip design — the Snapdragon Wear Elite paired with a low-power co-processor for always-on health tracking. If it works as described, expect 80–100 hours of real-world battery life, roughly 4 days. That’s a major improvement over the current 60-hour ceiling.
What new health features are coming to the 2026 Galaxy Watches?
The Watch Ultra 2 is the one to watch here. Rumored features include non-invasive glucose trend monitoring, AI-powered recovery scores that adapt based on your sleep quality, and enhanced antioxidant indexing for nutrition insights. The Watch 9 focuses more on AI sleep coaching and comfort-first biometric improvements powered by One UI 8.5 Watch.
Comparing Galaxy Watch 9 vs Apple Watch Series 12? Both launch in Fall 2026 — here’s what we know about Apple’s plans.
Sunil Bhatt is the founder of Smartwatch Insight and a wearable technology reviewer with 6+ years of hands-on experience. He has personally tested 40+ smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health wearables — evaluating real-world GPS accuracy, battery life, heart rate precision, and long-term durability. His coverage of Samsung’s wearable lineup spans every Galaxy Watch generation, from the Watch 4 through the Watch Ultra. His in-depth leak analysis, reviews, and comparisons have helped thousands of readers make smarter buying decisions. Follow him on LinkedIn.
Sources: GSMA IMEI Database listings via Smartprix · Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite announcement, MWC 2026 · Samsung Canada trade-in leak via SammyGuru · Chip strategy leak via leaker Jason C on X, reported by Notebookcheck
