Smartwatch comparison 2026

Eight watches, two ecosystems. Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are available now. The next generation — Series 12, Ultra 4, Galaxy Watch 9, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — land in July and September 2026. Blood glucose is still not here. Blood pressure finally is, on Samsung.

Updated June 2026
Apple Watch Series 11
Available now
Apple Watch Series 12
September 2026
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Available now
Apple Watch Ultra 4
September 2026
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Available now
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
July 22, 2026
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Available now
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
July 22, 2026
PriceFrom $399From $399 (est.)From $799From $799 (est.)From $299From $299 (est.)From $649From $649 (est.)
AvailabilityAvailable nowSeptember 2026Available nowSeptember 2026Available nowJuly 22, 2026Available nowJuly 22, 2026
ChipS10S12 (3nm, Watch8)S10S12 (3nm, Watch8)Exynos W1000Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm)Exynos W1000Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm)
BatteryUp to 24 hoursImproved (est. 24–36 hrs)Up to 42 hours72+ hours (est.)Up to 40 hours (40mm)Improved (30% more efficient chip)Up to 48 hours784mAh — 3+ days (est.)
Blood pressureHypertension alerts onlyRumoredHypertension alerts onlyRumored (strongest candidate)Yes (where approved)Yes (where approved)Yes (where approved)Yes + possible full readings
Blood glucoseNoNoNoNoNoNoNoRumored — TBC Jul 22
AI / SiriiPhone-dependentOn-watch (watchOS 27)iPhone-dependentOn-watch (watchOS 27)Galaxy AI via Samsung HealthSnapdragon NPU + Galaxy AIGalaxy AISnapdragon NPU + Galaxy AI
SatelliteNoNo (Ultra only)Emergency SOS + Find My + MessagesEmergency SOS + Find My + MessagesNoChip capable (NB-NTN) — TBCNoChip capable (NB-NTN) — TBC
DisplayLTPO OLED, 2,000 nitsLTPO OLED, improved efficiencyLTPO OLED, 3,000 nits flatLTPO OLED, larger via reduced bezelsAMOLED, 2,000 nitsAMOLED, up to 3,000 nitsAMOLED 1.47", 3,000 nitsAMOLED, 3,000+ nits
EcosystemiPhone onlyiPhone onlyiPhone onlyiPhone onlyAndroid (Galaxy full features)Android (Galaxy full features)Android (Galaxy full features)Android (Galaxy full features)
DesignRounded square aluminium/titaniumSame as Series 11 (new colours)49mm titanium, 12mm thick49mm titanium, ~15% thinnerSquircle aluminiumSquircle aluminium (refined)47mm titanium, rugged47mm titanium, refined
Connectivity5G + Wi-Fi5G + Wi-Fi5G + Wi-Fi5G + Wi-FiLTE + Wi-Fi5G + Wi-Fi + UWBLTE + Wi-Fi5G + Wi-Fi + UWB

Which one is right for you?

Apple Watch Series 11

From $399 · Available now

S10 · Up to 24 hours battery · iPhone only

Apple Watch Series 12

From $399 (est.) · September 2026

S12 (3nm, Watch8) · Improved (est. 24–36 hrs) battery · iPhone only

Full roadmap →

Apple Watch Ultra 3

From $799 · Available now

S10 · Up to 42 hours battery · iPhone only

Apple Watch Ultra 4

From $799 (est.) · September 2026

S12 (3nm, Watch8) · 72+ hours (est.) battery · iPhone only

Full roadmap →

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

From $299 · Available now

Exynos W1000 · Up to 40 hours (40mm) battery · Android (Galaxy full features)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

From $299 (est.) · July 22, 2026

Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm) · Improved (30% more efficient chip) battery · Android (Galaxy full features)

Full roadmap →

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

From $649 · Available now

Exynos W1000 · Up to 48 hours battery · Android (Galaxy full features)

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

From $649 (est.) · July 22, 2026

Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm) · 784mAh — 3+ days (est.) battery · Android (Galaxy full features)

Full roadmap →

Updated June 2026 · Specs verified from manufacturer announcements, regulatory filings, and confirmed leaks. Some specs are reported or estimated — see individual roadmap pages for sourcing.