Samsung may skip the Galaxy Watch Classic this year as the standard and Ultra models prepare for updates with fresh color options. The news comes amid mounting pressure on Samsung’s wearable business, following a reported 28 percent drop in shipments earlier in 2026. For users who value the tactile rotating bezel that defined earlier Classic editions, this potential absence marks a noticeable shift in the lineup’s direction.
Recent leaks shared on X by tipster GalaxyTechie suggest the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9 series will focus on two main variants rather than three. An earlier report from May had indicated a Classic model might return, but current information points to its omission. The rotating bezel had earned a loyal following for offering precise navigation without relying solely on touch controls, a feature that set certain Samsung watches apart from smoother, button-light competitors. Its possible disappearance could streamline production but risks alienating enthusiasts who appreciated that mechanical interaction in daily use.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 appears headed for more substantial design changes. Renders point to a boxier profile, thinner bezels, and a refined side button that moves away from the fully orange accent of the first Ultra toward a more understated outline. These adjustments could improve wearability for some while maintaining the rugged aesthetic aimed at outdoor and endurance users. Internally, a larger battery paired with the expected Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset may finally deliver battery life that comfortably exceeds two days under mixed usage. Such gains would address one of the more consistent criticisms of previous high-end Galaxy Watches, where real-world endurance often fell short of marketing claims despite respectable hardware on paper.
Color options reportedly include Black, Silver, and Beige. While Beige echoes finishes seen on recent standard models, the overall palette feels evolutionary rather than bold. On the software side, updated visuals for the Health app and a refreshed watchface selector aim to modernize the interface. These changes arrive as Samsung continues iterating on its health-tracking features, an area where competition from specialized devices has intensified.
Samsung’s broader wearable strategy faces familiar challenges. The company has long balanced fashion-forward designs with fitness capabilities, yet market share pressures highlight how quickly consumer preferences shift toward longer battery life, seamless integration, and less intrusive tracking. In a segment increasingly populated by slim rings and hybrid approaches, the decision to potentially drop the Classic raises questions about how Samsung plans to differentiate its smartwatch offerings going forward. Will the focus on refined Ultra and standard models be enough to recapture momentum, or does this signal a narrower vision that prioritizes volume over variety?
The July launch event will clarify these details alongside new foldables. For now, the leaks paint a picture of incremental but meaningful tweaks rather than a complete reinvention. Users weighing an upgrade will need to decide whether the absence of the Classic bezel matters more than potential gains in battery and design refinement. In a crowded wearables market, such choices carry real weight.
