What you need to know
- A new leak claims that Samsung is skipping the Classic model and shifting focus to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
- The Galaxy Ultra 2 is rumored to have a sleeker body, slimmer display bezels and a numbered outer bezel.
- The leaked renders also hint at an updated Samsung Health app, a new watch face picker, and a custom compass interface.
If you’ve been waiting for a new Samsung smartwatch with a clickable, physical rotating bezel this year, you’re out of luck. A new leak suggests that Samsung has ditched the rumored Galaxy Watch 9 Classic and is instead focusing its efforts on an updated model. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
The latest rumor from X tipster GalaxyTechie suggests that your dreams of a 2026 Classic model with a mechanical ring are officially on ice, but you can get a more premium Ultra model with slimmer bezels to make up for it (via 9 to 5 Google). It’s a setback for early regulatory chatter and FCC filings that had fans hoping for a big dual release this year.
‼️Watch 9 and Ultra 2 come with new band designs + colors, watch faces and features as part of One UI 9 Watch. The Ultra variant is slightly sleeker with Classic-style numbering (1-12), slimmer bezels, better side button area, quick button color reduced to an orange outline.June 19, 2026
Additionally, the Watch Ultra 2 is rumored to combine rugged durability with a boxier chassis than its predecessor.
The rotating bezel is not back yet
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The display will reportedly have thinner bezels and the numbers 1 to 12 will be printed on the surface of the outer ring. But don’t get your hopes up for a mechanical dial just yet—if that ring is indeed turned, the leak has not been confirmed.
Samsung also makes one of the most distinctive design choices from the last generation: the buttons. The “Quick Button” in the middle is said to have lost its sturdy, toy-like orange coat. Otherwise, the rumor suggests you can get a wider, neater button with a subtle orange outline accent.
The device itself also appears to be glowing. The leaked renders give a good look at what goes inside One UI 9 Hours. Samsung’s existing tracking menus aren’t the most organized, but Samsung Health could use a major overhaul to help you organize your daily metrics. The leak also reveals a new watch face selector and custom compass interface designed specifically to work with the new side button.
Android Central’s Take
Flip-flopping between Samsung’s Classic and Ultra lines is getting tiresome. The constant shift between a highly functional mechanical frame and high-end interior every two years gives the impression that the company is experimenting with design.
For those who like to customize their technology, the colors look pretty sharp this year. Both the standard Galaxy Watch 9 and the Ultra 2 will likely come in pure beige. You can also get the black version that comes with a dark blue strap or the silver one that goes well with the green band.
We won’t have to wait long to see if these leaks are true or not. Samsung will probably unveil its entire 2026 mobile ecosystem at the next Galaxy Unpacked event, which is expected to take place in late July.
