For fans of Samsung's rugged smartwatches, the wait for a true successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra is set to continue. Recent reports suggest the company is planning a significant upgrade, but not until next year, marking a strategic shift in its release cycle for premium wearables.
The Anticipated Launch Timeline
According to new information, Samsung is internally developing a device known as the "Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra," which is expected to be released to consumers as the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The most significant detail from the report is its projected launch window: summer 2026. This timeline positions the new Ultra model to debut alongside the standard Galaxy Watch 9 series and Samsung's next generation of foldable phones, likely the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, around July. This schedule confirms that 2025 will not see a major hardware revision for the rugged watch line, following the recent release of the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025), which was essentially a storage upgrade to 64GB in a new color.
Reported Device Details:
- Internal Codename: Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra
- Expected Market Name: Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
- Reported Launch Window: Summer 2026 (approx. July)
- Expected Launch Companions: Galaxy Watch 9 series, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8
A Shift in Samsung's Strategy
The reported 2026 launch indicates a deliberate change in Samsung's approach to its high-end wearable portfolio. By extending the release cycle for the Ultra model, Samsung appears to be mirroring a strategy employed by competitors like Apple, which refreshes its top-tier Apple Watch Ultra less frequently than its standard models. This move suggests Samsung is focusing on delivering more substantial, architectural upgrades with each new Ultra release, rather than annual incremental changes. The decision to skip a major 2025 update allows more development time, potentially leading to a more significant leap in technology, health features, and processing power for the 2026 model.
What to Expect from the Next Ultra
While concrete specifications for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 remain scarce, its internal codename hints at a close kinship with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9. This connection suggests the new Ultra will likely share a foundational platform with the standard Watch 9, but enhanced with the rugged, feature-packed DNA of the Ultra line. Expectations are building for more advanced health monitoring capabilities, a more powerful chipset, and continued integration of Galaxy AI features. The competitive landscape, particularly with rumors of Apple's Watch Ultra 3 featuring an S10 chip and new AI functionalities, will likely push Samsung to ensure its 2026 offering is a comprehensive refresh, not a minor spec bump.
Context on Recent Releases:
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024): Original launch with Galaxy Watch7.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): A variant released in 2025 featuring 64GB storage and a new color, but not a generational hardware upgrade.
The Current State of Play
For consumers considering a purchase today, the existing Galaxy Watch Ultra remains a compelling and capable device. Its titanium construction, dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking, and robust water and impact resistance make it a durable companion for active lifestyles. The suite of Galaxy AI-powered health and wellness tracking tools continues to be relevant. The new report essentially gives buyers a clear choice: invest in the proven, current-generation technology now or hold out for what promises to be a more transformative upgrade in the summer of 2026.