Original article: February 11, 2023 (2 PM ET): While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series may still seem like a fresh new wearable, we’re likely already halfway to the next iteration. Sure, rumors about a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 have been sparse so far. However, there’s no doubt in our minds that the current Wear OS juggernaut has a follow-up on the way. We’ll keep track of any details we hear below so you can stay abreast of what you might expect to see on the next Galaxy Watch. Plus, it’s never too early to start dreaming up a wish list.
Will there be Galaxy Watch 6 series?
To be blunt, there was almost no way we wouldn’t see a new Samsung smartwatch in 2023. Samsung launched a massive wave of smartwatch innovations when the Galaxy Watch 4 series introduced Wear OS 3. The Galaxy Watch 5 series currently still rides that swell. While plenty of other Wear OS-based wearables are making strides, there’s was little doubt Samsung would launch a new generation this summer to keep up its own momentum. The company would be hard-pressed to abandon the race, especially with devices like the Pixel Watch gunning for a new user base.
Fortunately, Samsung all but confirmed that a series 6 is headed to shelves in a recent announcement of the new One UI 5 Watch features. In this press release, Samsung said the update will be available on the “upcoming Galaxy Watch series later this year.” Sure, they don’t use the official name, but it’s safe to say a new Galaxy Watch will be here soon.
Will there be a Galaxy Watch 6 Pro model?
This question is a bit trickier. There haven’t been many rumors about what we can expect from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series yet. It’s very likely Samsung will stick with its two-prong approach and offer shoppers variety. However, will the company return to the Classic model or pump out a second version of the Pro moniker? If our Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review is any indication, the latter proved a very successful pivot. We’ll keep our ears out for rumors in the coming months.
When is the Galaxy Watch 6 release date?
Galaxy Watch: August 2018
Galaxy Watch Active: March 2019
Galaxy Watch Active 2: September 2019
Galaxy Watch 3 series: August 2020
Galaxy Watch 4 series: August 2021
Galaxy Watch 5 series: August 2022
Samsung has a well-established pattern for product releases. The one exception above is the Galaxy Watch Active, which was announced in February 2019 and landed in March of the same year. Every other Galaxy Watch has been announced in August and released a few weeks later. The Active 2 technically landed in September but was announced the month before like the rest of the lineup.
Based on the company’s past release dates, we expect the new generation to drop at the Samsung Unpacked event this summer. Most likely, the event will take place in early August allowing the devices to hit shelves before the end of the month.
What Galaxy Watch 6 features can we expect to see?
Design and specs
The latest generation didn’t bring a remarkable design change to the Galaxy Watch line. In fact, our reviewer mentioned feeling deja vu when unboxing the device for his Galaxy Watch 5 review. That isn’t necessarily a complaint, however, as the watches share an elegant aesthetic, eye-catching AMOLED displays, and impressive specs. With a winning design on its hands, it’s likely that we can expect Samsung to deliver much of the same next time around.
As mentioned, it’s unclear if the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 lineup will include a Pro or a Classic, but we expect two models in multiple sizes. It’s also very unlikely Samsung will deviate from its classic circular case or interchangeable quick-release bands. The Series 5 upped the ante on some durability specs which will likely carry over to the next lineup, and we’re hopeful we’ll see the D buckle clasp return as well.
Will there be Galaxy Watch 6 series?
To be blunt, there was almost no way we wouldn’t see a new Samsung smartwatch in 2023. Samsung launched a massive wave of smartwatch innovations when the Galaxy Watch 4 series introduced Wear OS 3. The Galaxy Watch 5 series currently still rides that swell. While plenty of other Wear OS-based wearables are making strides, there’s was little doubt Samsung would launch a new generation this summer to keep up its own momentum. The company would be hard-pressed to abandon the race, especially with devices like the Pixel Watch gunning for a new user base.
Fortunately, Samsung all but confirmed that a series 6 is headed to shelves in a recent announcement of the new One UI 5 Watch features. In this press release, Samsung said the update will be available on the “upcoming Galaxy Watch series later this year.” Sure, they don’t use the official name, but it’s safe to say a new Galaxy Watch will be here soon.
Will there be a Galaxy Watch 6 Pro model?
This question is a bit trickier. There haven’t been many rumors about what we can expect from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series yet. It’s very likely Samsung will stick with its two-prong approach and offer shoppers variety. However, will the company return to the Classic model or pump out a second version of the Pro moniker? If our Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review is any indication, the latter proved a very successful pivot. We’ll keep our ears out for rumors in the coming months.
When is the Galaxy Watch 6 release date?
Galaxy Watch: August 2018
Galaxy Watch Active: March 2019
Galaxy Watch Active 2: September 2019
Galaxy Watch 3 series: August 2020
Galaxy Watch 4 series: August 2021
Galaxy Watch 5 series: August 2022
Samsung has a well-established pattern for product releases. The one exception above is the Galaxy Watch Active, which was announced in February 2019 and landed in March of the same year. Every other Galaxy Watch has been announced in August and released a few weeks later. The Active 2 technically landed in September but was announced the month before like the rest of the lineup.
Based on the company’s past release dates, we expect the new generation to drop at the Samsung Unpacked event this summer. Most likely, the event will take place in early August allowing the devices to hit shelves before the end of the month.
What Galaxy Watch 6 features can we expect to see?
Design and specs
The latest generation didn’t bring a remarkable design change to the Galaxy Watch line. In fact, our reviewer mentioned feeling deja vu when unboxing the device for his Galaxy Watch 5 review. That isn’t necessarily a complaint, however, as the watches share an elegant aesthetic, eye-catching AMOLED displays, and impressive specs. With a winning design on its hands, it’s likely that we can expect Samsung to deliver much of the same next time around.
As mentioned, it’s unclear if the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 lineup will include a Pro or a Classic, but we expect two models in multiple sizes. It’s also very unlikely Samsung will deviate from its classic circular case or interchangeable quick-release bands. The Series 5 upped the ante on some durability specs which will likely carry over to the next lineup, and we’re hopeful we’ll see the D buckle clasp return as well.
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