Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with focus on health and AI integration

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Watch9 and the specialized Galaxy Watch Ultra2 at its July 2026 Unpacked event in London. The new wearables emphasize deeper integration with Samsung's broader ecosystem, moving beyond simple fitness tracking to provide actionable health guidance and cross-device AI functionality. Both models are available for preorder starting July 22, with general retail availability scheduled for August 7.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 features a 47 mm titanium case that is 12 percent thinner than its predecessor, measuring 10.7 mm in thickness. Despite the reduced profile, the device houses an 800 mAh battery, which Samsung rates for up to 60 hours of use. The watch includes a 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display capable of reaching 5,000 nits of peak brightness. Built for durability, the Ultra2 carries IP69K and MIL-STD-810H ratings, 10 ATM water resistance, and EN 13319 certification for dive instruments.

Performance on the Ultra2 is driven by the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which supports faster GPS locking and on-device AI processing. The watch introduces specialized features for outdoor athletes, including Trail Run mode, elevation tracking, and a hydration-focused Nutrition Alert system. Additionally, Samsung announced a partnership with Mares to provide advanced dive-computer functionality, which will remain exclusive to the Ultra2 among Wear OS devices for two years.

The mainstream Galaxy Watch9 is available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, featuring a 3,000-nit display and the same Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. Samsung has focused on expanding its BioActive sensor capabilities to offer more comprehensive health insights. New software features include Vitals, which establishes a baseline from sleep data to alert users to deviations, as well as Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, and Fitness Index metrics. The device also includes a Sleep Apnea detection feature backed by FDA clearance.

Beyond the new watches, Samsung showcased intelligent eyewear developed in collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. These glasses utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform and integrate with Gemini to provide visual context, message summaries, and live translation. While Samsung has not announced pricing for the eyewear, the company indicated that audio-focused models are expected to launch this fall, with display-capable versions following later.