The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is Confirmed, But Samsung is Holding Out for a HUGE 2026 Upgrade

Samsung is skipping a 2025 refresh to deliver a true next-generation rugged smartwatch in 2026.

If you were holding out for a true successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra this year, you might want to exhale now and settle in for a long wait. Fresh leaks from reliable sources across the tech world confirm that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is officially in development—but Samsung is holding its biggest upgrades for a monumental 2026 launch.

This suggests the South Korean tech giant is adopting a more methodical "tick-tock" approach for its premium, rugged wearable line, prioritizing a significant architectural overhaul over minor annual updates.

The Ultra 2 Timeline: Set Your Calendar for Summer 2026

According to reports from publications tracking Samsung's internal projects, the true next-gen Ultra watch is currently being developed under the internal moniker "Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra."

This naming convention aligns it with the flagship Galaxy Watch 9 series, which is also expected to launch next year. Sources universally point to an unveiling in Summer 2026, likely at Samsung's traditional late-July/early-August Galaxy Unpacked event, where it will debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 8.

Why the Wait? A Major Leap is Planned

The most interesting part of the leak is what it means for the device itself. The original Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) was a powerful first-generation competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra, but the 2025 model was a largely minor refresh, sporting little more than a memory bump (from 32GB to 64GB) and a new colorway.

By delaying the "Ultra 2" until 2026, Samsung is giving its engineers a full two years to deliver a genuine generational leap, rather than rushing out an incremental update. This pause is expected to yield substantial improvements, making the 2026 Ultra a truly new device, not just a spec bump.

Here’s what we expect from this extended development cycle:

• Next-Gen Performance: The Watch Ultra 2 is highly likely to feature an all-new Exynos wearable chipset, manufactured using a more advanced process technology. This would bring huge gains in both performance and, critically, power efficiency—the number one request for any high-end outdoor watch.
• Health and Sensor Overhaul: Industry analysts anticipate a focus on major upgrades to health monitoring sensors and new features, potentially solidifying the watch's position as a premium health and fitness tracker.
• Design & Durability: While the aesthetic language may remain rugged, we could see refinements to the materials, button layout, and potentially even the rumored return of a rotating crown for easier navigation.

The Takeaway

While it’s disappointing to know the true successor won't arrive this year, the news confirms that Samsung is committed to the high-end adventure watch market and is taking the time needed to build a device that can genuinely challenge the competition.

If you’re waiting for a Galaxy Watch Ultra that redefines the category, the Summer 2026 launch of the "Galaxy Watch Ultra 2" is the date you need to mark in your calendar. It's shaping up to be a groundbreaking upgrade worth the patience.