Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2: Everything the Leaks Tell Us So Far

Samsung's next generation of smartwatches—the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2—could debut with a non-invasive glucose sensor, a feature that would reset the health-wearable race. Leaks ahead of a rumored July Unpacked event suggest both models will gain 5G connectivity, but a split in chipset strategy may finally give the Ultra line the performance edge it has lacked. The Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to use Samsung's own Exynos chip, while the Ultra 2 might leap to a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a move that could close the computing gap with Apple's Watch Series. The biggest headline, however, is the possibility of an optical or radio-based glucose sensor that would let diabetics and fitness enthusiasts track blood sugar without needles. If accurate, this would be a first for a major smartwatch and follow years of speculation about non-invasive monitoring. Samsung has not confirmed any details, but multiple leakers—including tipsters with strong track records—point to a July reveal alongside the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. The Ultra 2 is also tipped to receive a more rugged design with a sapphire crystal display and enhanced water resistance, cementing its premium positioning. Analysts note that Apple has been working on similar sensor technology for the Apple Watch, creating a competitive race that could accelerate adoption. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 represent Samsung's attempt to fend off growing competition from Google's Pixel Watch and the Chinese wearable ecosystem. The implications extend beyond smartwatches: a verified non-invasive glucose sensor could push the entire wearable market toward continuous health monitoring, attracting regulatory scrutiny and insurance partnerships. For now, the key milestone is the July Unpacked event, where Samsung will likely confirm the lineup. If the glucose sensor materializes, it will be the defining feature of the year in wearables. If not, the chipset differentiation and 5G upgrades still make this a meaningful refresh. Either way, Samsung is betting that health tech—not just notifications or fitness tracking—will drive the next upgrade cycle.