Samsung Launches Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 With AI Upgrades

WHO:

Techmeme - Samsung is the company launching the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2.

The Verge - Qualcomm is the manufacturer of the new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor used in the watches.

WHAT:

Techmeme - The Galaxy Watch 9 is priced at $379.99, an increase of $30 from the previous model, while the Ultra 2 is priced at $699.99, an increase of $50.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 features a new trail run tracking capability that allows users to download GPX files for GPS routes, providing real-time navigation and hydration alerts.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 has a thinner case, measuring 10.7mm, which is 12% thinner than the original Ultra.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 is equipped with a 5,000-nit display, making it the brightest smartwatch screen available.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 includes a bespoke diving app from Mares, which will monitor descent speed, record time at a given depth, and provide ascent guidance, expected to be available later in the year.

Techmeme - The Galaxy Watch 9 has a battery capacity of 390mAh for the 40mm version, which is a 20% increase from the previous model.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 features a 5,000-nit display, while the Galaxy Watch 9 has a 3,000-nit display.

Techmeme - The Ultra 2 includes a new trail run tracking feature and a bespoke diving app from Mares, expected to arrive later in the year.

Techmeme - The Galaxy Watch 9 is priced at €409 for the 40mm Bluetooth version and €459 for the 40mm LTE version, while the 44mm version is priced at €439 for Bluetooth and €489 for LTE.

Techmeme - The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to cost €749 in Europe.

The Verge - The Ultra 2 features a new Nutrition Alert that uses perspiration data to provide hydration guidance.

CNET - The Ultra 2 features a new trail run tracking capability that allows users to download GPX files for GPS routes, providing real-time navigation and hydration alerts.

CNET - The Ultra 2 has a thinner case, measuring 10.7mm, which is 12% thinner than the original Ultra.

CNET - The Galaxy Watch 9 has a battery capacity of 390mAh for the 40mm version, which is a 20% increase from the previous model.

CNET - The Ultra 2 is equipped with a 5,000-nit display, making it the brightest smartwatch screen available.

Techmeme - Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, featuring AI-powered fitness features and hardware upgrades.

The Verge - The Galaxy Watch 9 is priced at $379.99, an increase of $30 from the previous model, while the Ultra 2 is priced at $699.99, an increase of $50.

The Verge - The Ultra 2 has an 800mAh battery, a 35% increase from the original Ultra's 590mAh battery.

The Verge - The Galaxy Watch 9 has a battery capacity of 445mAh for the 44mm version and 390mAh for the 40mm version.

The Verge - The Ultra 2 features a 5,000-nit display, while the Galaxy Watch 9 has a 3,000-nit display.

The Verge - The Ultra 2 includes a new trail run tracking feature and a bespoke diving app from Mares, expected to arrive later in the year.

The Verge - The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will include four new preventive health metrics, including a Vitals feature, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, and Fitness Index.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will be available for preorder and are expected to ship starting August 7th.

Android Authority - The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will be available for preorder and are expected to ship starting August 7th.

WHEN:

The Verge - The watches are expected to ship starting August 7th.

WHY:

The Verge - Samsung aims to improve battery life and preventive health features in its new smartwatch models.

HOW:

The Verge - The Ultra 2 includes a bespoke diving app from Mares, which will monitor descent speed, record time at a given depth, and provide ascent guidance, expected to be available later in the year.

CNET - The new Fitness Index feature visualizes users' strength, flexibility, endurance, cardio, and body composition compared to other Samsung users using a radar chart format.

The Verge - The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite processor for enhanced power efficiency and AI processing capabilities.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 23:20 UTC)

The Galaxy Watch 9 is now priced at $379.99, reflecting a $30 increase from its predecessor, while the Ultra 2 will retail for $699.99, which is a $50 hike. The Ultra 2 boasts impressive features, including a trail run tracking capability and a bespoke diving app from Mares, both set to enhance outdoor activities, and it will be available for preorder with shipping starting August 7th. Additionally, the Ultra 2 stands out with a thinner case at 10.7mm and a stunning 5,000-nit display, making it the brightest smartwatch screen on the market.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 22:19 UTC)

The Galaxy Watch 9 has been announced with a price tag of €409 for the 40mm Bluetooth version and €459 for the LTE version, while the 44mm model will cost €439 for Bluetooth and €489 for LTE. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to retail for €749 in Europe and features a new Nutrition Alert that uses perspiration data to help users stay hydrated. This Ultra 2 will also include a specialized diving app from Mares, designed to monitor descent speed, record time at depth, and provide ascent guidance, with availability anticipated later this year.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 17:24 UTC)

The Ultra 2 smartwatch has been unveiled with impressive new features, including a trail run tracking capability that allows users to download GPX files for real-time navigation and hydration alerts. It also boasts a thinner case at 10.7mm, which is 12% slimmer than its predecessor, and a stunning 5,000-nit display, making it the brightest smartwatch screen on the market. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9 has seen a significant upgrade with a battery capacity of 390mAh for the 40mm version, representing a 20% increase from the previous model, along with a new Fitness Index feature that visualizes users' fitness metrics in a radar chart format.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 16:22 UTC)

Samsung has officially announced the launch of the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, which come equipped with AI-powered fitness features and significant hardware upgrades. The Ultra 2 boasts an impressive 800mAh battery, a 35% increase from the original model, while the Galaxy Watch 9 offers a battery capacity of 445mAh for the 44mm version and 390mAh for the 40mm version. Both watches will feature four new preventive health metrics, including a Vitals feature and a Heart Health Score, aimed at enhancing user health monitoring. Preorders for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will begin soon, with shipping expected to start on August 7th. These new models utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, which enhances power efficiency and AI processing capabilities.