Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 with advanced AI health tracking and diving capabilities

Meet Samsung's most powerful wearables yet: Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

The Watch Ultra 2 sets some new bests for Samsung's wearables, including an 800mAh battery and 5,000 nits max screen brightness. Samsung's latest hardware is finally official, and alongside the new foldables led by the extra-wide Galaxy Z Fold 8, we're also meeting the very latest entries in Samsung's growing smartwatch lineup with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. While last year brought us the Galaxy Watch 8 alongside the Watch 8 Classic and only a slightly refreshed Watch Ultra, this year Samsung's skipping the Classic entirely and actually giving us a proper Ultra sequel. Let's take a look at all this new hardware, and exactly what you should expect from it! With the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung embraced a new design, adopting the Watch Ultra's "squircle" build across its lineup. This year with the Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung's continuing in this same direction, while delivering a whole lot of refinement in the process. And while there's absolutely a big software component to this generation's upgrades, including the Wear OS 7-based One UI 9 Watch, as well as a whole bunch of new AI-powered health features, it all starts with the hardware. Compared to last time around, the new Galaxy Watch 9 sticks with an aluminum body, but now one that's 25% lighter than the Watch 8's. That gives Samsung a little more breathing room for other hardware upgrades, like moving to larger batteries -- for the 40mm model in particular, the gains are pronounced, growing 20% from 325mAh to 390mAh. Samsung plans to put all that juice to good use, equipping its wearables with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor instead of one of its own Exynos chips. That's a five-core component built on a 3nm process, and Samsung's once again pairing it with 2GB of RAM. We're not seeing any major changes in the screen department, with Samsung sticking with the same 1.34-inch and 1.47-inch panels for the 40mm and 44mm models, respectively. Either way, you'll enjoy 3,000 nits peak brightness for comfortable outdoor visibility. Samsung's offering a whole lot of strap options for shoppers interested in customizing their new wearable, including the premium Misty Band and breathable Fabric Band. Out of the box, the Watch 9 comes with the soft new silicone Sports Band. While the Galaxy Watch 9 may be a relatively constrained upgrade, at least from its outward-facing hardware, the new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has no such reservations, and is boldly pushing Samsung's smartwatch efforts to new limits. That starts right up front, and not only is Samsung giving us a slightly larger 1.52-inch display, but it's cranking visibility into the stratosphere, offering 5,000 nits peak brightness. That beefy titanium frame is back, but Samsung managed to slim things down to 10.7mm this time around -- quite a bit thinner than last year's 12.1mm. And despite that, Samsung is equipping the Watch Ultra 2 with an utterly giant battery, somehow finding room for a massive 800mAh component offering 35% additional capacity. Samsung says that could result in operational times as high as 60 hours even when using the always-on display, or 20 hours with the GPS constantly active. Of course, the Watch Ultra 2 also gets Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite, readying it to handle the most demanding apps you can load on your wrist. According to Samsung, that affords this model 32% faster CPU performance compared to last generation. Samsung's sticking with 2GB of RAM, but the Ultra 2 does get 64GB storage, compared to the Watch 9's 32GB. While the Watch 9 is IP68 rated, the Ultra 2 pushes that up to IP69K, which is good enough for professional diving -- there's even an exclusive Diving app arriving in a few months, thanks to a partnership with Mares. The Watch Ultra 2 should handle up to 10 atmospheres of pressure -- that's over 300 feet down. Once again, Samsung's hyping up its first-party band options. There's the PeakForm Band, offering a hybrid leather-like material, or the fabric Trail Band for a little more breathability. The Watch Ultra 2 ships with Samsung's silicone Marine Band. As you probably know, Samsung's new wearables are its first to ship with One UI 9 Watch, itself built on the just-released Wear OS 7. And while that's reason enough to be excited, there's a whole lot more going on with software and features here that's worth pointing out. We have just got to start with what was maybe one of our favorite Pixel Watch 4 tricks, as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 become the company's first smartwatches to support raise-to-talk. When you're out on the go and quickly want to ping Gemini with a question or request, that's going to be as easy as raising your wrist and starting to speak. Just make sure you've got your phone with you if you're wearing the non-LTE Watch 9, as data connectivity is a must. Of course, we've also got all those health features Samsung's been teasing. Those include FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, now with AI insights into your patterns. There's a daily report on cardio load, designed to help you understand how hard you're pushing yourself through exercise. But even couch potatoes can benefit from the easy-to-understand heart health score, tapping into metrics like blood pressure and sleep quality. An overall fitness index can help summarize where your body's at and offer recommendations on new personal goals. All this taps into the myriad sensors on Samsung's wearable hardware, which also let you view vital stats whenever you want. For the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, beyond that Diving app we just told you about, there's also dedicated tracking modes for your favorite outdoor activities. In specific, Samsung highlights Trail Run's ability to keep track of elevation as you hike a route, letting you keep an eye on your exertion level. And because we all know how critical hydration is, Nutrition Alert is making some improvements on estimating your water loss through sweat, so it can better let you know when to reach for your water bottle. Samsung says that it would like to bring many of these software features to older Galaxy Watch models, but there are no guarantees yet on which may trickle down, nor when. New Galaxy Watch owners can score themselves a free 60-day Strava trial membership, letting them put these wearables' fitness features to full use. And if you're looking to connect with a trainer for a little personal guidance, there's also a free two-month trial of iFIT available in Samsung Health. Pre-orders open today, with normal retail sales set to commence next month, on August 7. Depending on which model you've got your eye on, Samsung is offering a different set of color options. For the 40mm Watch 9, you can choose between Cream and Graphite, while the 44mm model arrives in Graphite and Silver. And then with the Watch Ultra 2, there's either Titanium Silver or Titanium Gray. No matter which Galaxy Watch you go with, you've got the option to protect your purchase with Samsung Care Plus.

Samsung announces Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, with new AI features

Samsung didn't bring back all of its Galaxy Watch models for 2026, but it did just reveal two new ones. At its Galaxy Unpacked showcase on Wednesday, Samsung announced the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. And it turns out pre-show rumors of no new Galaxy Watch Classic this year were correct. The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379.99 for Bluetooth and $429.99 for the LTE model. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at a substantially more expensive $699.99. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 specs The Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung's successor to the Galaxy Watch 8, will come in 40mm and 44mm models, while the Ultra 2 is sized at 47mm. Samsung upgraded the battery in the larger Watch 9 this year, giving it a 445mAh cell, but the 40mm variant only has a 390mAh cell in it. The biggest battery improvement comes on the Watch Ultra 2, which will come with a whopping 800mAh cell. Other specs include: * Watch 9: 2GB memory * Watch Ultra 2: 2GB memory * Watch 9: 32GB storage * Watch Ultra 2: 64GB storage * Both watches: Snapdragon Wear Elite chip The Ultra 2 also comes with a very bright 5,000 nits of peak brightness in its display, making it ideal for outdoor usage. On the Watch 9, you get just 3,000 nits, which should still be good enough for most occasions. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 key features On the software side, Samsung has packed in a bunch of outdoor sports tracking features in the Ultra 2. Trail Run will track stats like terrain impact and elevation for hiking, while Nutrition Alert adds onto the old Sweat Loss tracker to tell you when to hydrate, and by how much. The Ultra 2 is also water-resistant enough to be worn while diving, and Samsung says detailed dive tracking will arrive with a Diving app later this year. Another selling point for the watches: a slew of new AI health features, available on both devices. They will use on-board trackers to deliver personalized insights -- such as breathing disruptions during sleep, deviations in your vitals, daily recommended cardio load, and alerts for dangerously loud noise levels to protect your hearing. Neither of these watches are exactly reinventing the wheel (or the Squircle). Still, the hardware upgrades, along with AI upgrades, should make them effective health trackers for the target audience.

[Galaxy Unpacked July 2026] A First Look at Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9

At Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 in London, Samsung Electronics unveiled Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, expanding the digital health experience on the wrist. From the moment users wake up to the time they finish a workout and begin recovery, a smartwatch stays in contact with the body throughout the day. Samsung Newsroom got an early look at the new wearables during Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 -- from Galaxy Watch Ultra2, built for precise workout tracking and structured training in demanding environments, to Galaxy Watch9, designed for everyday health management spanning sleep, cardiovascular health, exercise and recovery. Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Adventure Without Limits Combining top-tier performance with exceptional durability, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is optimized for high-intensity sports and outdoor activities. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the first Galaxy Watch powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® Wear Elite Platform, delivering fast performance and precise GPS tracking. Its 800mAh battery offers 35% more capacity than the previous generation's. The display reaches up to 5,000 nits of brightness -- a first for a smartwatch -- making on-screen information easy to read even under bright lighting. Comfort has also improved. The cushion design seamlessly integrates the display, bezel and body. Despite its larger battery, the watch is 12% thinner than the previous generation thanks to component optimization and an internal redesign. The band is 26% lighter with a new air pocket structure, providing a secure yet comfortable fit. Trail Run, a new feature exclusive to Galaxy Watch Ultra2, offers real-time insights including detailed elevation data, climbing progress and cumulative ascent and descent distance. With this information, users can gauge workout intensity and adjust their pace accordingly. Galaxy Watch Ultra2's capabilities now extend beneath the surface. From the moment users enter the water, it automatically records depth, dive time and water temperature. Backed by EN13319 certification for diving instruments, along with 10ATM water resistance and an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance, the device is engineered to support safe underwater activities. Furthermore, in collaboration with global diving equipment brand Mares, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will support advanced diving features -- including real-time ascent and descent rates as well as safety decompression time. During workouts, users can take advantage of hydration guidance, newly added to Nutrition Alert. Based on sweat loss relative to body weight, it calculates recommended fluid intake in real time to help users stay hydrated during extended exercise sessions. Galaxy Watch9: A Companion for Everyday Health Galaxy Watch9 is designed to be an everyday companion for continuous health management. Its slimmer body and band with a new air pocket structure fit comfortably and securely around the wrist, making it ideal for all-day wear -- from workouts to sleep. Powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, Galaxy Watch9 features a 390mAh battery with 20% more capacity than the previous generation's to support fast performance and consistent health monitoring throughout the day. The Galaxy Watch series' digital health experience is centered around the updated Samsung Health, an all-in-one health coach that brings together five core pillars -- Activity, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Sleep and Vitals -- in one place. By capturing signals from the body and presenting them at a glance, the app helps users stay ahead of their health. Sleep is the foundation of health management. The upgraded Sleep Apnea feature analyzes the number of breathing disruptions per hour using an AI algorithm and categorizes them into three levels. It further refines the sleep apnea detection capability that earned Samsung the world's first De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024. Key health metrics measured during sleep can be viewed at a glance in Vitals. Using heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, Galaxy Watch9 establishes a personalized baseline to help identify meaningful changes in health. Heart Health Score provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of cardiovascular health by combining factors such as activity level, sleep, body composition and stress trends into a single score representing the user's current condition. Workout plans can also be tailored to fitness levels. Fitness Index uses body composition and workout history to assess whether a user's current exercise volume is appropriate, helping set individualized goals. On days with more intensive workouts, Daily Cardio Load helps users assess training balance and determine how much recovery time they need. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 excels in high-intensity training, while Galaxy Watch9 supports everyday health management. Together with enhanced hardware and Samsung Health, the next-generation Galaxy Watch series delivers a smarter, more personalized health experience.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Goes Official With New AI Health Features

The smartwatch features new AI-powered health tracking features Samsung has finally launched the next generation of wearable devices at the Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 event. The company has introduced the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 during the launch event. The latest Galaxy Watch 9 from the brand comes equipped with improved features and specifications over its predecessors. The device is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, AMOLED display, AI-powered wellness features, and more. The latest smartwatch from the brand is currently available in two case sizes, and the brand has introduced a new range of wristbands for the watch. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Price, Availability Details The smartwatch is available for pre-orders in select global markets starting today, while general availability will begin at a later date. The Galaxy Watch 9 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The 40mm model is available in Graphite and Cream colour options, while the 44mm variant is available in Graphite and Silver colour options. The company has also introduced a new range of watch bands with the Galaxy Watch 9, including Sports, Misty, and Fabric bands. Moreover, the company is offering a 60-day Strava Premium trial and a two-month iFIT trial in eligible markets with the purchase of the latest smartwatch. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Specifications The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 features a Super AMOLED Always-On Display. The 44mm model sports a 1.47-inch display with a resolution of 480x480 pixels, while the 40mm variant gets a 1.34-inch panel with a 438x438-pixel resolution. Both displays offer up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness and Sapphire Crystal glass protection. The smartwatch is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite (SDW6100) processor built on a 3nm process. The device features 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. It runs on Wear OS 7 with One UI 9 Watch user interface on top of it. The company has added a plethora of health and fitness sensors to the latest smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 9 comes equipped with a new BioActive Sensor, which combines an optical heart rate sensor, an electrical heart signal sensor, and a bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor. It also includes a temperature sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, and ambient light sensor for accurate health tracking. The company has introduced several new AI-powered wellness features with the Galaxy Watch 9. These include Heart Health Score, Fitness Index, Daily Cardio Load, Vitals, Hearing, and an updated Sleep Apnea feature. The Galaxy Watch 9 is backed by a 445mAh battery on the 44mm model and a 390mAh battery on the 40mm version. It supports WPC-based fast wireless charging. Connectivity options include LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, and dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5). The smartwatch is rated 5ATM, IP68, and MIL-STD-810H for durability.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Hands-on: Smarter AI, Better Battery

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with a focus on AI-powered health tracking, improved battery life and a brighter display. In this hands-on, we take a closer look at the new smartwatch, its updated design, Gemini integration, new diving mode and the features that stand out after spending time with the device.If you're considering an upgrade or want to know what's new, here's everything you need to know from our first look.We're also bringing you a hands-on with the new Galaxy Watch9 in this video series, so stay tuned for that as well.The Economic Times is on the ground in London covering Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. Watch our latest hands-ons, exclusive interviews and all the biggest announcements from the event across our YouTube channel and social media platforms.#Samsung #GalaxyWatchUltra2 #GalaxyWatch9 #GalaxyUnpacked #Smartwatch #WearOS #GeminiAI #TheEconomicTimes

Samsung launches Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 with Snapdragon Wear Elite, brighter displays and AI health features

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, introducing Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, brighter displays and AI-powered health features. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts with an 800mAh battery, a 5,000-nit display, advanced trail running and diving features, while the Galaxy Watch9 targets everyday users with a lighter design, a 3,000-nit display and improved comfort. London: Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 alongside its latest foldables, bringing significant hardware upgrades, new AI-powered health features and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform to its smartwatch lineup. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, while the Galaxy Watch9 focuses on everyday health tracking with a lighter design and improved comfort. Both smartwatches feature brighter displays, larger batteries than their predecessors and Samsung's latest AI-powered health experiences. Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Bigger battery, brighter display The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 comes with Samsung's largest-ever smartwatch battery at 800mAh, representing a 35% increase over the previous Ultra model. Powering the watch is Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which promises improved performance, efficiency and more accurate GPS tracking. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Samsung has also upgraded the display to reach 5,000 nits of peak brightness, making it the brightest smartwatch display the company has offered to date. The smartwatch retains its titanium construction while becoming 12% thinner than its predecessor through an internal redesign. Samsung says softer and lighter bands improve comfort for continuous wear. For fitness enthusiasts, the Ultra2 introduces a dedicated Trail Run mode that tracks elevation, climbing progress and terrain impact. It also adds a Nutrition Alert feature that estimates sweat loss relative to body weight and provides hydration guidance during workouts. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 The watch also expands into diving. It carries IP69K, 10ATM and EN13319 certifications, allowing it to automatically track dive metrics such as depth, dive time and water temperature. Samsung says advanced diving capabilities developed with diving equipment brand Mares will arrive through a dedicated Ultra2 Diving app later this year. Galaxy Watch9 focuses on all-day wellness

Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 launched in India starting at Rs. 38,999

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, its latest smartwatches powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. The new lineup brings updated hardware, AI-powered health features, brighter displays, improved battery life, and new band options. Samsung says the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 features the largest battery and brightest display in the Galaxy Watch lineup, while both models support continuous health monitoring. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is designed for outdoor activities, sports tracking, and health monitoring in demanding environments. It includes a Trail Run mode that tracks elevation, climbing progress, and terrain impact. The new Nutrition Alert feature expands the existing Sweat Loss feature by estimating sweat loss based on body weight and providing hydration guidance during runs. It also supports diving with IP69K, 10ATM, and EN13319 certifications, with automatic tracking of depth, duration, and water temperature. Additional diving features, including ascent/descent speed tracking and safe dive limits, will be available later this year through the Ultra2 Diving app developed with diving equipment manufacturer Mares. Other hardware upgrades include improved performance and GPS tracking through the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, an 800mAh battery that is 35% larger than the previous Galaxy Watch Ultra, and a display with up to 5,000 nits peak brightness. The smartwatch retains a shock-resistant titanium case, is 12% thinner than its predecessor despite the larger battery, and comes with lighter, softer bands for extended wear. Quick Specs * Colors: Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray * Size: 47mm * Dimensions & Weight: 47.4 × 47.1 × 10.7mm; 61.5g * Display: 1.52-inch Sapphire Crystal Super AMOLED, 498 × 498 resolution, Always On Display, up to 5,000 nits * Processor: Qualcomm SDW6100 (Penta-Core, 3nm) * Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM + 64GB storage * Battery: 800mAh * OS/UI: Wear OS 7 / One UI 9 Watch * Sensors: BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Light Sensor * Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, Dual-Frequency GPS * Durability: 10ATM+, IP69K, MIL-STD-810H, EN13319 * Compatibility: Android 13 or higher (1.5GB+ memory) Samsung Galaxy Watch9 The Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health tracking, including sleep, activity, and wellness monitoring. It features a lightweight aluminum case with Samsung's cushion design and supports interchangeable soft-touch bands. The smartwatch is powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and includes a 390mAh battery. It features a display with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness for improved visibility across different lighting conditions. Quick Specs * Colors: 44mm: Graphite, Silver; 40mm: Graphite, Cream * Sizes: 40mm, 44mm * Dimensions & Weight: 44mm: 46.0 × 43.7 × 8.6mm; 34g; 40mm: 42.7 × 40.4 × 8.6mm; 31.5g * Display: 44mm: 1.47-inch; 40mm: 1.34-inch Sapphire Crystal Super AMOLED, Always On Display, up to 3,000 nits * Processor: Qualcomm SDW6100 (Penta-Core, 3nm) * Memory & Storage: 2GB RAM + 32GB storage * Battery: 44mm: 445mAh; 40mm: 390mAh * OS/UI: Wear OS 7 / One UI 9 Watch * Sensors: BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Light Sensor * Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, Dual-Frequency GPS * Durability: 5ATM+, IP68, MIL-STD-810H * Compatibility: Android 13 or higher (1.5GB+ memory) AI-powered health features Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 use Samsung's BioActive sensor, which continuously collects biometric data to provide AI-powered health insights. The health features available on both smartwatches include: * Sleep Apnea: Uses AI algorithms to analyze breathing disruptions during sleep and is backed by FDA clearance. * Vitals: Tracks a user's health baseline during sleep and alerts them to significant changes. * Heart Health Score: Provides a cardiovascular wellness score with personalized recommendations. * Daily Cardio Load: Provides workout volume and recovery guidance. * Fitness Index: Measures overall physical fitness and suggests personalized goals. * Hearing: Monitors noise exposure and provides alerts and reports related to sound levels. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 bands Samsung has introduced new band options for both smartwatches. For the Galaxy Watch Ultra2: * Marine Band: Lightweight silicone band designed for outdoor activities. * PeakForm Band: Hybrid material band designed for sports and everyday use. * Trail Band: Fabric band designed for breathability during outdoor activities. For the Galaxy Watch9: * Sports Band: Thin and soft band designed for workouts and daily use. * Misty Band: Soft silicone band with two-tone color options. * Fabric Band: Lightweight and breathable band designed for daily wear, including sleep tracking. Samsung Care+ Samsung Care+ for Galaxy Watch users includes accidental damage protection, extended warranty coverage, and certified support. Users can also manage Samsung Care+ through the Warranty and Care section on Galaxy smartphones running One UI 9. The section provides access to warranty details, self-diagnostics, repair requests, remote support, and Samsung Care+ services. Pricing and availability The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will be available in a 47mm size with Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray color options, while the Galaxy Watch9 will come in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The 40mm model will be available in Cream and Graphite, while the 44mm model will be offered in Graphite and Silver. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in select markets starting today, with general availability beginning August 7. In India, the pricing is as follows: * Galaxy Watch9 (Bluetooth, 40mm): Rs. 38,999 * Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Rs. 69,999 Pre-order benefits include Rs. 1,000 on the Galaxy Watch9 and Rs. 5,000 on the Galaxy Watch Ultra2. Eligible customers also receive a 60-day Strava trial for workout tracking and route discovery, along with a 2-month iFIT trial for trainer-led workout sessions.