Samsung is preparing a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-only variant of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for its July Unpacked event, a version that would carry a lower price than the cellular model.
The move follows a pattern Samsung established with earlier Galaxy Watch lines, where stripped-down connectivity options allowed the company to reach buyers unwilling to pay for a dedicated cellular plan or the hardware that supports one.
What a Wi-Fi-Only Model Means
Most smartwatches ship in two configurations: one that requires a separate cellular connection to function independently of a phone, and one that relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stay tethered to a paired device.
The cellular version typically costs more at retail and may carry monthly carrier fees. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth model cuts both of those costs for the buyer.
The Watch Ultra Line
Samsung launched the original Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024, positioning it as a rugged, sport-focused device aimed at competing with Apple’s Apple Watch Ultra series.
The watch featured a titanium case, a maximum rated depth of 10 ATM for water resistance, and a multi-day battery target, according to Samsung's official product documentation.
It also carried a starting retail price above $600 in the United States, making it one of the most expensive wearables in Samsung’s lineup.
July Unpacked
Samsung holds its Unpacked events twice a year, typically in January and July. The July edition has historically served as the venue for new Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones, as well as updated Galaxy Watch hardware.
The company has not officially confirmed the July 2025 Unpacked date or any specific product announcements. Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Early supply chain reports and regulatory filings often surface ahead of Unpacked, giving analysts and industry watchers an early read on what Samsung plans to show. Those signals have preceded several accurate leaks in prior years.
Wearables Market Context
The global smartwatch market reached approximately 150 million units shipped in 2023, according to IDC, with Apple and Samsung holding the top two positions by volume.
Price remains a primary factor in consumer purchase decisions at the premium end of the segment. A lower-cost entry point for a flagship-tier watch could expand Samsung’s addressable market without requiring a separate product line.
Samsung’s wearables division sits inside its Mobile Experience business unit, which reported revenue of 102.5 trillion Korean won in 2024, according to Samsung's annual earnings filing.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to run Samsung’s One UI Watch platform, built on top of Wear OS, the operating system Google develops for third-party smartwatch manufacturers.
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