Samsung Galaxy Watch9’s codename surfaces, might launch with a Classic model

Is the Rotating Bezel Making a Comeback? New Galaxy Watch9 Leaks Suggest Big Changes

Ever since Samsung introduced the ‘Classic’ branding with the Galaxy Watch4 back in 2021, fans have been trying to predict the company’s release rhythm. Historically, Samsung has treated the Classic model like a biennial special guest, skipping the Watch5 and Watch7 generations while featuring prominently in the Watch4, Watch6, and Watch8 lineups. If we were following the usual script, we shouldn’t have expected a Classic model this year—but a recent leak suggests Samsung might be ready to break its own rules.

Decoding the Codenames: Fresh 9, Wise 9, and Project V2

The team over at Android Authority recently went digging through a Wear OS update and hit a goldmine of internal codenames. They spotted three distinct entries that seem to outline Samsung’s wearable roadmap for the near future:

• Fresh 9: Likely the standard Galaxy Watch9.
• Wise 9: Expected to be the Galaxy Watch9 Classic.
• Project V2: The internal name for the second-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The inclusion of ‘Wise 9’ is the real standout here. It suggests that Samsung isn’t sticking to the ‘every other year’ release cycle for its fan-favorite rotating bezel model. If this pans out, it’s great news for users who prefer the sophisticated, tactile feel of a physical bezel over the more minimalist, sporty design of the standard Watch series.

Bringing Pixel Features to the Galaxy

Beyond just the hardware names, the code also points to a handy new feature making its way to the Samsung ecosystem. It looks like the ‘Raise-to-talk’ feature—currently a Pixel Watch exclusive—might be opening up to third-party Wear OS devices. This would allow Galaxy Watch9 users to simply lift their wrist and start speaking to their voice assistant without having to tap a button or say a wake word like ‘Hey Google’ first. It’s a small quality-of-life upgrade, but one that makes a smartwatch feel much more intuitive in daily use.

Mark Your Calendars for July

As for when we’ll actually see these devices in the flesh, the rumor mill is pointing toward a major summer event. Samsung is expected to host its next Galaxy Unpacked on July 22, where the Galaxy Watch9 series will likely share the stage with the next generation of foldables—the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Fold8. Stay tuned, as we’ll likely see more leaks regarding battery life and sensor upgrades as we get closer to the summer launch.