Samsung plans to release the 2026 Galaxy Watch Ultra in two versions — one with cellular connectivity and one without — a configuration its previous two generations never offered.
The GPS-only variant would sell at a lower price point than the cellular model, giving buyers a cost-saving option while retaining core fitness and tracking functions.
Both the 2024 and 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra models shipped exclusively with cellular support, making the reported dual-tier strategy for 2026 a notable departure.
What the leak says
The report originated from PhoneArena, citing supply chain-adjacent rumor sources. Samsung has not confirmed the claim.
A GPS-only smartwatch connects to a paired smartphone for calls and data. A cellular model carries its own SIM slot, letting it operate independently of a phone.
The trade-off is tangible for buyers who run, hike, or train away from their phones — cellular allows a watch to stream music, take calls, and relay health alerts without any device nearby.
Price and market context
Samsung has not disclosed pricing for the 2026 Galaxy Watch Ultra. The 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra launched at $649.99 for its cellular-only configuration, according to Samsung's official press materials.
A GPS-only tier would likely track below that figure, though no specific number has surfaced.
Samsung is not the first major manufacturer to split a high-end watch line by connectivity tier. Apple sells GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions of its Apple Watch Ultra 2, which starts at $799 for cellular in the United States, according to Apple's official pricing page.
Garmin also offers dual-tier connectivity options across several of its premium outdoor GPS watches, positioning GPS-only variants as the entry point into a product family.
Galaxy Watch Ultra positioning
Samsung markets the Galaxy Watch Ultra line at endurance athletes and outdoor users who want a durable, feature-dense device. The watch carries a reinforced titanium case and targets buyers who would otherwise consider Garmin’s high-end Fenix and Epix lines.
Adding a GPS-only variant at a lower price could expand that addressable market without diluting the cellular model’s premium positioning.
That said, the absence of cellular connectivity removes emergency SOS features that rely on independent network access — a capability some buyers treat as essential when far from their phones.
2025 release timeline
Samsung has not announced a release window for the 2026 Galaxy Watch Ultra. The 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra, part of the company’s mid-year wearable refresh, launched alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 series.
Samsung typically stages its major smartwatch announcements in the second half of the calendar year, often tied to its Galaxy Unpacked events.
The Korean electronics company reported $18.9 billion in mobile experience division revenue for the first quarter of 2025, according to Samsung's Q1 2025 earnings release.
