Samsung is preparing to expand its wearable portfolio with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 series, following a pattern of mid-year hardware refreshes. Reports indicate the company will move away from the “Classic” branding, focusing instead on a standard model and a high-end “Ultra” variant. These devices are expected to debut at the next Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2024.
What is changing in the Galaxy Watch lineup?
Samsung is shifting its product strategy for the 2024 wearable cycle by prioritizing a new premium tier. According to documentation from the FCC and various regulatory filings, the company has moved to retire the “Classic” naming convention, which previously denoted models featuring the iconic physical rotating bezel.
Instead, the lineup will feature the Galaxy Watch 7 and a top-tier Galaxy Watch Ultra. Leaked renders suggest the Ultra will adopt a unique, squarish aesthetic for its chassis, departing from the traditional circular design language Samsung has maintained since the original Galaxy Watch. This shift mirrors a broader industry trend toward ruggedized, high-performance wearables designed to compete directly with the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why the move toward an “Ultra” model matters
The introduction of an Ultra-branded wearable indicates Samsung’s intent to capture the segment of the market that demands longer battery life and advanced sensor arrays. Historically, Samsung’s base models have faced challenges maintaining multi-day battery life when compared to dedicated fitness trackers or specialized outdoor watches.
By creating a distinct Ultra tier, Samsung creates a clear hierarchy for consumers. The standard Galaxy Watch 7 is expected to remain the accessible, lifestyle-focused option, while the Ultra serves as the flagship for power users. This strategy aligns with the company’s recent efforts to integrate more sophisticated AI-driven health tracking, which requires the increased processing overhead provided by the new 3nm-class processors rumored to power these devices.
How the new models compare
The following table outlines the expected differences between the incoming models based on industry reporting:
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | General consumers | Athletes and power users |
| Design | Traditional circular | Ruggedized square-circle hybrid |
| Positioning | Successor to Watch 6 | New flagship tier |
When will the new watches be available?
Samsung typically hosts its mid-year Galaxy Unpacked event in July. While the company has not released official specifications, industry analysts expect the launch to take place in Paris, shortly before the 2024 Olympic Games. This timing allows Samsung to emphasize the health and tracking features of the new hardware in a high-visibility environment.
Following the announcement, retail availability usually follows within two weeks. Consumers should anticipate that these devices will ship with the latest iteration of Wear OS, featuring enhanced integration with the Galaxy AI suite of health tools introduced earlier this year in the Galaxy S24 series.