Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Galaxy Watch Ultra for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: what to expect
What's expected to change vs Galaxy Watch Ultra:
- New Snapdragon Wear Elite processor focused on performance, AI, and efficiency
- 5G cellular connectivity, making it the first Samsung Galaxy Watch to support 5G
- Two models expected: a 4G version and a 5G version (region dependant)
- Upgraded sensors for better health tracking
- Potentially broader nutrition insights
- More AI features, potentially AI health tracking advancements
- Similar design with a 47mm case
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to come in the summer of 2026, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Flip 8 foldable phones.
- The exact date for the summer Unpacked has not leaked yet.
Expected price:
- No leaks about the pricing of the rugged smartwatch have come out yet.
- Expect a similar price to its predecessor: around $649.99.
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Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 release date
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is said to be announced alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8foldable phones. The devices are likely to be introduced during a summer Unpacked event, as per tradition.
| Device | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | July 2026* | July 2026* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra (new color and more storage version) | July 9, 2025 | July 25, 2025 |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | July 10, 2024 | July 24, 2024 |
* - probable dates
Last year, Samsung didn't bring a successor to its rugged smartwatch. Instead, it just refreshed the existing model with more storage and a new color. However, rumors and leaks expect that in 2026, the Ultra is getting a proper successor, which may be called the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
The Unpacked event is expected for some time in the month of July, 2026, but its exact date has not been revealed just yet.
Usually, Unpacked events are held on a Wednesday. Summer ones have happened in the beginning of the month of July (according to recent years' events). This year, Wednesdays in July are the 1st, the 8th, the 15th, the 22nd, and the 29th. If Samsung holds the event in July, it's more likely for it to be on either the 8th or the 15th.
Before 2023, summer Unpacked events were held in August, and August is still a possibility, so keep that in mind as well.
Curiously enough, Samsung is said to plan two versions of the smartwatch this time around. Apparently, according to an IMEI database listing, the watch will be available in a 4G variant and a 5G variant. Rumor has it which one you get would depend on your region.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 price and deals
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's pricing is still under wraps. However, this is a premium and rugged smartwatch, and it is likely to keep its premium price tag as its predecessor.
| Galaxy Watch model | 47 mm, LTE connectivity |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | $649* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | $649 |
*- anticipated prices
The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in only one variant with a 47 mm case and 4G LTE connectivity. Likely, the second generation of the rugged smartwatch will follow this tradition.
Meanwhile, we currently have rising prices in components that affect smartphone prices. Samsung has raised prices on its Galaxy S26 phones and the Galaxy A phones. We don't know if price hikes are hitting the company's smartwatch lineup as well, but that possibility is not entirely out of the cards, so keep that in mind.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 deals to expect:
- Samsung: Samsung usually offers great trade-in deals and discounts for smartwatches that don't require trade-in. With trade-in, you may be able to save around 50% of the device's retail price, and Samsung also discounts smartwatches for major shopping events. The company will give plenty of options to get the new smartwatch for less money.
- Verizon: Verizon typically offers smartwatches at their retail price. However, you can take advantage of bundle discounts when purchasing a premium phone like a Galaxy S26 Ultra with an eligible plan.
- AT&T: You are likely also going to be able to save on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you buy a premium smartphone at the same time. Also, sometimes you can take advantage of BOGO deals on smartwatches on the carrier.
- T-Mobile: Often, T-Mobile allows you to get a huge discount on smartwatches by adding an eligible wearable plan line.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 storage
In 2025, Samsung refreshed the Galaxy Watch Ultra model with a new storage option of 64 GB. The original model, launched in 2024, came with 32 GB of storage. We do believe the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will come with 64 GB though, like its predecessor.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected storage capacity:
- 64 GB
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 design
The Galaxy Watch Ultra's design. | Image by PhoneArena
Rumors are not predicting a huge redesign of the Watch Ultra 2. We'll likely see once again a 47 mm size and squircle design.
According to some rumors, the watch may feature a rotating bezel. However, this is likely not coming to fruition. The thing is, a rugged smartwatch may not be as rugged if it has a rotating bezel, and that would lower its durability.
As for the materials, sapphire crystal for the display protection and a titanium case are expected. We'll also have an IP68 rating, coupled with a 10 ATM rating.
We're likely going to see the customizable button (the Quick Button) on the right make a return.
Some new colors may be added to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's color palette.
As for bands, just like its predecessor, the Ultra 2 may offer you a choice between a Marine one, aimed at divers, a Trail one for hikers, and a Peakform, which is multifunctional.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 display
The original Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a 480x480 resolution, which is already an industry-leading display.
| Smartwatch model | Screen size | Brightness |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | 1.5-inch* | 3,000* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | 1.5-inch | 3,000 |
* - anticipated sizes
It's also super bright with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.
So, we don't expect something less for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. You can rest assured the display will be bright and vivid.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's potential battery capacity has not leaked just yet. Its predecessor sported a large, 590 mAh battery, which could, according to Samsung, last up to 100 hours in power-saving mode and up to 48 hours in exercise power-saving.
More or less, it's a smartwatch with two days of battery life on a single charge. Likely, that's going to be the battery we're getting with its successor, unless Samsung wants to pleasantly surprise us here.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features and software
As for software, the Ultra 2 is said to come with One UI 9.0 Watch, based on Wear OS 7. All the original Galaxy Watch Ultra features are likely making it to the second generation.
Features that are likely making a return are the dual-band GPS for more accurate tracking, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure readings, safety siren, fall detection, emergency SOS, and the like. You'll also likely get a huge variety of workout types, badges for rewards, and workout results, as well as the antioxidant index for improving your overall health.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 should also come with the Ultra's Galaxy AI features, including Energy Score and Functional Threshold Power, as well as advanced sleep monitoring with sleep stages, heart rate, blood oxygen, and snoring detection. Of course, coaching to improve your results would be there as well, and possibly refined and improved with improvements to Galaxy AI.
The new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip that's potentially going to power the smartwatch is specifically designed for AI-centric wearables, so performance should be hiccup free and fast.
Meanwhile, rumor has it that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may also focus on going deeper with skin-based detection. Potentially, we may see non-invasive glucose monitoring, a feature that's been rumored for years for Galaxy and Apple Watches and has yet to come to fruition.
However, it's important not to get your hopes too high for non-invasive glucose monitoring. The tech may not be there just yet to give dependable results on a smartwatch.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 hardware and specs
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected specs:
- CPU: Snapdragon Wear Elite
- Battery: 590 mAh
- Charging: 10 - 15 W wireless charging
- Storage: 64 GB
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will likely come with the new, AI-tasks-focused Snapdragon Wear Elite processor. The processor was recently announced during MWC 2026 in Barcelona.
The Wear Elite brings power and efficiency gains and a specific focus on handling AI tasks. The chip is advertised as being able to run 2 billion AI parameter model on-device. This speed should practically eliminate latency in AI interactions. Built on a 3 nm process, the chip should be super power efficient, and it's also coming with a noticeably faster GPU.
The new Snapdragon Wear Elite supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband, and NB-NTN (this one enables direct satellite connectivity for calls and texts).
Thanks to its efficiency improvements, we're likely seeing a positive effect on battery life as well.
Meanwhile, rumor has it that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may be Samsung's first smartwatch with built-in 5G connectivity. If true, this would mean that the smartwatch would be able to offer better call quality and faster data speeds when your phone isn't around.
Samsung's main competitor, Apple, added 5G connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11 back in September 2025, so Samsung is playing catch-up here with this particular feature. But nevertheless, it's a notable upgrade that's likely coming to improve your experience with the smartwatch.
Should I wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
- You should wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you are currently due for an upgrade soon and you're willing to buy a rugged smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely going to be announced in the summer, and with the new chip and expected features, it may be an exceptional offer for people looking for a rugged, outdoorsy smartwatch.
- You should not wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you currently rock a Galaxy Watch Ultra (the changes may not be as huge), or if you're an Apple fan and you're not looking for a Galaxy Watch. Also, if you prefer a more casual and smaller smartwatch for your daily life – the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to be huge at 47 mm, so if you need something smaller, you may want to wait for the Galaxy Watch 9, which should also come out at the same time as the Ultra 2.
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