Galaxy Watch 9: Three-Model Lineup Redefines Samsung’s Strategy
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 models are the next generation of Wear OS smartwatches expected to include a standard edition, a revived Classic with a rotating bezel, and an upgraded Ultra 2, signaling a broader hardware and software shift toward more choice and smarter voice control. For years, Samsung alternated between standard and Classic models, occasionally adding experimental variants like the Watch 5 Pro and Watch Ultra. Now, code found in a recent Google Wear OS app points to three distinct codenames: “Fresh 9,” “Wise 9,” and “Project V2,” widely interpreted as the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch 9 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. One quotable takeaway is that “Fresh 9 and Wise 9 are believed to be the codenames of the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch9 Classic, respectively,” highlighting how firmly this expanded trio appears to be set in development.
Classic Design Returns Earlier Than Expected
The Galaxy Watch 9 Classic stands out because it breaks Samsung’s usual rhythm of skipping every other Classic generation. After the first Classic debuted with the Galaxy Watch 4, the Watch 5 and Watch 7 went without this model, while Watch 6 and Watch 8 restored the familiar rotating bezel. Many observers therefore expected Samsung to sit the Classic out again. Instead, the Wise 9 codename strongly suggests that a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic will arrive alongside the standard model and Ultra 2. This earlier-than-anticipated return is important for users who like the tactile control of a physical bezel and would otherwise have waited several years for a refresh. It also signals that Samsung sees durable demand for traditional watch styling inside its Wear OS portfolio, rather than treating Classic as an occasional side project.
Raise-to-Talk: Google’s Voice Shortcut Spreads to Galaxy Watch 9
Beyond hardware, the most intriguing development is Samsung’s adoption of a previously Pixel-exclusive raise-to-talk feature. Originally introduced on the Pixel Watch 4, raise-to-talk lets users activate their voice assistant by lifting the watch toward their mouth instead of saying a wake phrase or pressing a button. New strings in Google’s code, including “RttSettingsManager3pWearOs,” hint that this capability is being generalized for third-party Wear OS devices. According to Android Authority, this could mean Galaxy Watch 9 models and possibly other Wear OS watches will soon gain raise-to-talk support. If that happens, Samsung’s Wear OS voice control will feel faster and more natural, making it easier to start timers, reply to messages, or launch apps while on the move. It would also expand Google’s Gemini assistant reach without restricting key features to Pixel-branded hardware.
Ultra 2 and Launch Timing Point to a Coordinated Ecosystem Push
The Project V2 codename is widely read as evidence that a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will join the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch 9 Classic in the same cycle. This would be a notable shift from Samsung’s recent pattern, where the Ultra line saw only a minor refresh compared with full generational jumps for the standard models. Some reports suggest the Watch 9 and 9 Classic may keep the Exynos W1000 chip, while the Ultra 2 could adopt a new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, giving the top-tier model a performance edge. On timing, multiple sources expect Samsung to unveil the full smartwatch trio alongside its next foldable phones at a summer event rumored for July 22. Coordinating all three Galaxy Watch 9 models with major handset launches underlines a more unified ecosystem strategy around Wear OS and advanced voice features.