Samsung’s 2026 launch calendar is already shaping up well before the expected debut of its next flagship smartphones. While the Galaxy S26 series is set to be revealed at the end of February, certified listings and database entries now indicate that Samsung is actively preparing more major hardware: including two new smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Tab S12 tablet series.
These sightings don’t just confirm that the devices exist, they also hint at Samsung’s broader product cadence and strategy for wearables and tablets in 2026.
Samsung’s wearables continue to be a central piece of its mobile ecosystem, and two upcoming smartwatches are now confirmed in global databases with model identifiers: SM-L345 for the regular Galaxy Watch 9 and SM-L716 for what’s believed to be the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Galaxy Watch 9 — Evolution of the Core Series
The Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to succeed the Watch 8 generation, continuing Samsung’s focus on balanced smartwatch features health tracking, fitness sensors, One UI Watch software, and tighter integration with Galaxy phones. While official specs aren’t known yet, Samsung traditionally refines performance, display brightness, battery life, and sensors with each new iteration.
Though precise details remain under wraps, early leak reports and industry expectations suggest upgrades in health monitoring (possibly including enhanced sleep or heart sensors), throughput improvements, and refinements in One UI Watch experience consistent with past generational improvements.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — A True Successor to the Rugged Model
Perhaps the more noteworthy wearable in the pipeline is the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 which appears to be a distinct successor to Samsung’s first Ultra smartwatch rather than a minor iteration. Samsung’s original Ultra model aimed to compete directly with rugged devices like the Apple Watch Ultra, offering a more premium build and expanded health and fitness feature set.
The model number (SM-L716) strongly suggests that the Ultra 2 will not just be another refresh, but potentially bring meaningful upgrades or repositioning be it bigger battery capacity, improved durability, or next-generation sensors. Analyst expectations, based on industry leaks, point to possible improvements in processing power, brighter display panels, and battery life suitable for longer-term use or more demanding health tracking.
According to some leaked timelines, Samsung may aim to launch both smartwatches Watch 9 and Ultra 2 in mid-2026, possibly aligned with its next foldable smartphone launches such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 series.
Tab S12 Series: A Shift in Samsung’s Tablet Lineup
Alongside wearables, the Galaxy Tab S12 series has surfaced in certification records with two models: SM-X846B (Galaxy Tab S12+) and SM-X946B (Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra).
Interestingly, no base Galaxy Tab S12 model appeared in early listings, suggesting that Samsung may again revise its tablet strategy and emphasize only the higher-tier models much like how Samsung alternated between standard and Plus models in past tablet lineups.
Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S12+ is expected to replace or recapture the mainstream premium segment with a large screen, powerful internals, and long battery life suitable for productivity, multimedia, and stylus-based workflows.
- Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra looks set to build on Samsung’s most advanced tablet offering combining a larger display, powerful chipset, and S Pen support for creators and professionals seeking laptop-like capabilities in tablet form.
The absence of an entry-level Tab S12 standard in the IMEI/GSMA database doesn’t rule it out entirely, but analysts see it as a strong indication that Samsung may focus first on Plus and Ultra tiers, with the base model possibly arriving later or being shelved for this generation.
What These Sightings Signal for Samsung’s 2026 Roadmap
Samsung’s hardware strategy appears to be broader than a single flagship phone cycle. The rapid emergence of devices in certification databases suggests a nuanced and staggered launch schedule:
- Galaxy S26 series expected at the end of February in the first big 2026 announcement.
- Wearables (Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2) rumoured for mid-year rollout, likely complementing Galaxy Z foldables and appealing to fitness, productivity, and premium wearable segments.
- Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra late-year launch possibly at Samsung’s second Galaxy Unpacked event in Q3 (August–September), a traditional time for tablet debuts.
If Samsung sticks to these patterns, it will extend its device ecosystem throughout 2026, giving consumers a continuous lineup of choices spanning phones, wearables, and tablets with opportunities to bundle these devices via Galaxy software and services like DeX, SmartThings, and Galaxy AI enhancements.
Samsung’s expansion of premium wearables and tablets reinforces its bid to capture more of the Android ecosystem. The Watch 9 and Ultra 2 emphasize health, productivity, and performance segments appealing both to mainstream users and those seeking more adventurous or rugged smartwatch uses. Meanwhile, the Tab S12+ and Ultra keep Samsung competitive against Apple’s iPad lineup, especially for creative and professional markets.
Although specific features and pricing aren’t yet revealed, early certification listings confirm that these products are far along in development and likely to launch within the next several months.
For consumers, this means a busy 2026 calendar with frequent releases and a wide choice of Samsung hardware across categories sustaining its presence in flagship, wearable, and tablet markets for the year ahead.
Samsung’s GSMA and IMEI database sightings of the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and Tab S12 series confirm the company’s active pipeline for future wearables and premium tablets. These findings hint at a staggered roll-out through two major Galaxy Unpacked events in 2026, reflecting Samsung’s broad ecosystem strategy.
