Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 suggest a familiar strategy: keep the exterior almost unchanged and push the meaningful upgrades into the hardware. For users expecting a bold redesign, the first images point instead to a cautious refresh.
That approach could still make sense if Samsung delivers a stronger chipset and better efficiency. The watch is reportedly set to launch at Galaxy Unpacked on 22 July 2026, alongside the company’s next foldables.
A design that stays close to Galaxy Watch 8
The render images shared by OnLeaks and Android Headlines show a body that still uses Samsung’s squircle shape with a round display. The physical layout also appears familiar, with two buttons on the right side, a speaker grille on the left, and sensors placed on the back.
The most noticeable visual change appears on the Active strap. Samsung is said to remove the small screw-like accent seen on the previous strap, while also switching from a tuck-in style underneath the strap to a more traditional over-the-top layout.
That new strap design is paired with a retaining loop, giving the watch a more conventional look overall. A long central ridge running toward the clasp and buckle holes adds a slightly sharper visual line, even though the watch itself remains easy to recognize.
Colors, sizes, and familiar options
The leak points to three color choices for the Galaxy Watch 9: Black, Creme, and Green. It is also expected to come with a two-layer watch face design.
Size options are said to remain unchanged at 40 mm and 44 mm. Samsung is also expected to offer both Wi-Fi-only and LTE variants, continuing the pattern used in previous generations.
| Expected Galaxy Watch 9 options | Details |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Creme, Green |
| Sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi-only, LTE |
The real upgrade may be inside
While the outside changes appear limited, the internal hardware may tell a different story. Galaxy Watch 9 is tipped to use the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset announced at MWC 2026.
That chip is expected to improve performance and power efficiency, while also supporting a range of AI features. If that proves true, Samsung could be betting on a smarter and faster wearable rather than a radically different design.
The available information so far is still limited to renders, colors, sizes, connectivity options, and the rumored chipset. Even so, the direction is already clear enough to show that Samsung is keeping the formula largely intact.
Possible pricing pressure in a tighter market
Pricing remains uncertain, but Samsung is reportedly considering a price increase for the Galaxy Watch 9 series because of the RAM crisis affecting the smartphone market. No exact figure has been revealed.
That leaves launch day as the moment when the company’s broader strategy becomes clear. For now, the leaked design suggests a watch that looks safe on the outside, while the expected chipset upgrade may be the part that matters most.