(Image source from: Phonearena.com)

Samsung is anticipated to introduce its new Galaxy watches together with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 later this year. The rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to include significant upgrades from the previous model. A report indicates that Samsung is working on both Bluetooth-only and LTE options of its new flagship smartwatch for buyers in Europe. While the company is testing a 5G version for certain locations, customers in Europe might get a less expensive 4G LTE option instead. A Dutch news source, GalaxyClub, reveals that Samsung is creating two versions of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for the European market. One version will have mobile connectivity, and the other is likely to be a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-only model. If this happens, it would mark a first for the Ultra series by Samsung. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, which debuted in 2024, is currently only available with LTE, enabling users to make calls, send texts, and use data services without needing to connect to a smartphone.

Introducing a Bluetooth-only version could allow Samsung to set a lower initial price for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The report mentions that increasing component prices are impacting various new Samsung products, including those from the Galaxy S series. The source states that Samsung is not just working on the Bluetooth model for the Netherlands, but for multiple European markets as well. This would align the Ultra series with Samsung's other smartwatch lines, which usually come in both Bluetooth and LTE models. Prior reports had also indicated that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 would be Samsung's first smartwatch featuring a built-in 5G modem. However, the report suggests that the European version might not support 5G. Instead, Samsung appears to be developing a smartwatch with the model number SM-L715F, which is expected to include standard 4G LTE connectivity. At the same time, the 5G-compatible Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may be reserved for the markets in the US and South Korea. Samsung is likely to reveal the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 along with the Galaxy Watch 9 series in 2026.