Best smartwatches coming in 2026: Preview guide

Is your current smartwatch keeping up with the best smartwatch innovations of 2025? If not, you'll want to see what's coming next.

The wearable tech world saw major strides in 2025, with Apple updating every Apple Watch model in their lineup and Samsung bringing back the popular clicky bezel for its flagship Galaxy Watch. Garmin has also had a remarkable 2025, thanks to the release of new Forerunners, Instinct, Venu, Vivoactive and the Fenix 8 Pro series.

Looking ahead to 2026, the best smartwatches are pushing boundaries even further. Most flagship models now offer between 18 and 48 hours of battery life, with some reaching 80% charge in under 30 minutes. Additionally, health monitoring features continue to advance rapidly - Samsung has already confirmed plans to use Galaxy Watches to detect heart failure, a world-first feature, while Google launched its six-month hypertension study with Fitbit Labs specifically for Pixel Watch 3 owners.

Whether you're searching for the best smartwatch for iPhone users, the best smartwatch for women with specific features, or the best smartwatch for Android compatibility, this preview guide covers all options. From budget-friendly models to premium smartwatches, we've thoroughly evaluated what's coming to help you make an informed decision.

Apple Watch Series 12

The Apple Watch Series 12 appears poised to bring significant improvements over previous models when it arrives in September 2026. Unlike the more incremental updates seen with recent watches, industry insiders hint this model could represent a major leap forward in Apple's wearable technology.

Apple Watch Series 12 expected features

The Series 12 is rumoured to debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026. At the heart of the upgrade will be a new processor, codenamed T8320, replacing the chip used across three previous generations. Moreover, the storage capacity may double to 64GB, providing ample space for apps, music, and podcasts. Perhaps most intriguingly, code leaks suggest Apple is developing Touch ID integration, which could be embedded in the side button or beneath the display for enhanced security with Apple Pay transactions.

Apple Watch Series 12 design & display

Although some sources suggest a major redesign might wait until 2027 or 2028, multiple reports indicate the Series 12 will feature a revised design with a distinctive new sensor arrangement. The watch's underside may incorporate eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern beneath a glass cover. Expect thinner bezels alongside the familiar rounded square shape with improved viewing angles and brightness enhancements.

Apple Watch Series 12 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring capabilities appear to be the primary focus, with those eight new sensors potentially enabling:

• Blood pressure monitoring – a feature initially rumoured for Series 11
• More precise sleep and hydration tracking
• Enhanced workout metrics and heart rate accuracy
• Improved battery efficiency through more efficient measurements

These additions would complement existing features like ECG, blood oxygen measurement, and irregular heart rhythm notifications.

→ Find Apple Watch straps and accessories for your existing smartwatch today.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

Samsung continues its focus on health innovation with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9, building upon years of research rather than simply chasing battery life. Following Samsung's confirmed work on future models, the Galaxy Watch 9 looks set to emphasise advanced health tracking capabilities alongside thoughtful design refinements.

Galaxy Watch 9 expected features

Samsung's next-generation smartwatch will likely maintain the 5ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H protective rating from previous models. Given Samsung rarely uses the same chip for three consecutive generations, expect either a new 3nm processor or an enhanced coprocessor for more efficient AI processing. Connectivity improvements may include ultra-wideband technology (UWB) for digital car keys and improved device finding capabilities. Furthermore, Samsung might upgrade from Bluetooth 5.3 to 6.0 standards, though battery capacity will likely remain close to the Watch 8's 325/435mAh configuration.

Galaxy Watch 9 design & display

Despite some fans hoping for a return to circular designs, Samsung appears committed to its distinctive squircle "Cushion Design" introduced with recent models. Nevertheless, the company may address proportional issues by implementing wider watch bands that better complement the squircle case dimensions. The Galaxy Watch Ultra already features these proportionally balanced bands, suggesting the standard Watch 9 could benefit from similar refinements.

Galaxy Watch 9 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring remains Samsung's primary focus, with features developed years in advance through extensive research. The Watch 9 will continue using Samsung's BioActive Sensor technology, potentially enhancing it with additional LED colours beyond the current Blue, Yellow, Violet, Ultraviolet, Green, Red, and Infrared array. These sensors enable remarkably precise health metrics, with heart rate measurements during workouts now 30% more accurate than previous generations. Key health features will include the Antioxidant Index (developed over five years), vascular stress monitoring, and the AGEs Index for biological ageing assessment.

→ Check out our collection of Samsung Galaxy Watch straps and accessories for all existing models today.

Google Pixel Watch 5

Google's shift to in-house processing power marks a significant turning point for the Pixel Watch 5, potentially establishing it as a top contender among the best smartwatches of 2026. This strategic move could finally address the processing limitations that have historically held back Android smartwatches.

Pixel Watch 5 expected features

At the heart of the Pixel Watch 5 will likely be Google's first custom wearable Tensor chip, codenamed NPT, replacing the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform used in previous models. This processor reportedly features one ARM Cortex A78 core and two ARM Cortex A55 cores, potentially offering better performance than current Pixel Watch processors. Consequently, Wear OS 6 and beyond will introduce more consistent always-on display behaviour, with the ability to keep media controls visible even in ambient mode.

Pixel Watch 5 design & display

The distinctive rounded design that characterises the Pixel Watch series will presumably remain, given that approximately 50% of users surveyed love the existing Pixel Watch design and don't want changes. Nonetheless, a potential 'Pro' version with different design elements might emerge alongside the standard model. The always-on display experience will see substantial improvements, particularly with Timer, Stopwatch and Media Controls maintaining visibility even when your wrist is down.

Pixel Watch 5 health & fitness capabilities

In essence, health tracking remains a cornerstone of the Pixel Watch experience. The integration with Fitbit will continue offering features like:

• Continuous heart rate monitoring (reading your heart rate every second)
• Sleep tracking with Sleep Profiles that correlate sleeping behaviours to animals
• Active Zone Minutes for monitoring heart-pumping activity

A forthcoming hypertension study suggests blood pressure monitoring capabilities may eventually arrive, aligning with industry trends toward comprehensive health monitoring.

Fitbit Charge 7

Fitness enthusiasts anticipating a tracker upgrade will find the Fitbit Charge 7 worth waiting for, as Google has officially confirmed new Fitbit hardware coming in 2026. Based on Fitbit's typical release patterns, a late 2025 debut seems probable, possibly in September or October.

Fitbit Charge 7 expected features

First and foremost, the return of the altimeter stands as a key improvement, addressing a feature that disappeared after the Charge 4. This sensor measures elevation via air pressure—invaluable for cyclists and hikers tracking elevation gains without relying on GPS. Regarding connectivity, the device may enhance GPS accuracy using Wi-Fi networks, enabling faster data syncing. Additionally, a switch from the proprietary charging cable to USB-C appears likely, ending the era of USB-A dependency that frustrated many users.

Fitbit Charge 7 design & display

The most significant visual upgrade will be a substantially larger display, jumping from the current 1.04-inch AMOLED screen (206×124 pixels) to a rumoured 1.5-inch panel (240×240 pixels). This enhancement addresses complaints about the Charge 6's "postage stamp" sized display that can only show one widget, sport, or notification at a time. Above all, slimmer bezels will maximise screen real estate without drastically increasing the overall device dimensions. The display will also be brighter, improving outdoor readability during workouts.

Fitbit Charge 7 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring remains central to the Fitbit experience, with the Charge 7 potentially introducing continuous blood glucose monitoring—a game-changer for diabetes management. The device will continue tracking core health metrics including:

• Breathing rate
• Heart rate variability
• Skin temperature
• Oxygen saturation
• Resting heart rate

Importantly, Google is developing AI-powered coaching built on Gemini technology, transforming the tracker into an intelligent fitness assistant that adapts workouts based on real-time health data.

→ Already have a Fitbit? Check out our collection of Fitbit straps for every model and series.

Garmin Fenix 9

For adventure seekers planning their next gear upgrade, the Garmin Fenix 9 represents the ultimate evolution in rugged smartwatch technology. Expected to launch between August 2026 and January 2027, this flagship outdoor timepiece builds directly upon innovations introduced in the Fenix 8 Pro series.

Garmin Fenix 9 expected features

The Fenix 9 will likely refine cutting-edge technologies rather than introducing a complete redesign. Key improvements include upgraded LTE connectivity for phone-free communication and enhanced satellite messaging similar to inReach functionality for remote emergencies. Additionally, faster processing hardware will deliver improved UI performance and better overall efficiency. Map rendering speeds will increase dramatically alongside more precise GPS tracking, even in challenging environments like dense forests. The watch might even introduce intuitive gesture controls and expanded voice command capabilities.

Garmin Fenix 9 design & display

MicroLED display technology stands as the most notable design advancement, offering superior brightness, enhanced durability, and reduced power consumption. Garmin will likely expand this display option across additional size variants whilst maintaining the signature rugged aesthetics that incorporate premium materials such as sapphire glass and titanium. Importantly, the design team aims to reduce case thickness by integrating touch functionality directly into the panel.

Garmin Fenix 9 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring receives substantial upgrades with ECG functionality for detecting heart irregularities and improved HRV tracking for recovery insights. A possible Elevate Gen 6 heart rate sensor might enable blood pressure monitoring capabilities, complementing already robust performance metrics including VO2 Max, Training Status, and Recovery Time recommendations.

→ Take a look at our selection of Garmin straps and accessories for every model released by the manufacturer.

OnePlus Watch 4

OnePlus plans to stake a stronger claim in the premium smartwatch market with the Watch 4, codename "star", arriving in early 2026. This model represents a significant step up from its predecessors, prioritising both performance and design refinements.

OnePlus Watch 4 expected features

At its core, the Watch 4 will run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform, paired with a BES 2700 co-processor for efficient low-power tasks. Memory specifications are impressive with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, and—for the first time in the series—eSIM support. The global variant will utilise Google's Wear OS platform, whilst Chinese models might run on ColorOS for Watch 6.0 based on Android 11 Go. Markedly different from previous iterations, the Watch 4 will support advanced fist clench gestures for intuitive control.

OnePlus Watch 4 design & display

The Watch 4 features a circular 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution and 326 PPI. Its premium construction includes a titanium alloy bezel with stainless steel body, available in black and a pastel blue-tinted white. Design improvements include smaller bezels, a slimmer watch frame, improved strap system, and lighter case materials. In addition, the watch features a crown for navigation alongside two operation buttons. The display boasts impressive 2200 nits peak brightness with sapphire crystal protection.

OnePlus Watch 4 health & fitness capabilities

Primarily focusing on comprehensive health monitoring, the Watch 4 includes ECG functionality, blood oxygen measurement, heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and stress tracking capabilities. The device offers sleep and workout tracking alongside multiple sport modes. Internal sensors include an accelerometer, calorie counter, step counter, geomagnetic sensor, barometer, and optical pulse oximeter. Notwithstanding its extensive capabilities, users have requested more insightful health data interpretation rather than simply providing raw numbers.

Huawei Watch 6

Huawei's battery innovation takes centre stage with the Watch 6 series, poised to challenge conventional smartwatch limitations in 2026. Building upon their high-silicon stacked battery technology, these devices offer extraordinary power longevity.

Huawei Watch 6 expected features

The standout specification remains battery endurance—up to 21 days in light usage mode or 12 days with typical use for the 46mm models. Additionally, smaller 41mm variants deliver up to 14 days of light usage. The series excels in positioning accuracy, too, with a 20% improvement via new antenna design and dual-band support. Even more impressively, a recent update brings wheelchair mode and real-time cadence simulation for cycling.

Huawei Watch 6 design & display

Visually striking, the Watch 6 features a brilliant 3000 nits peak brightness AMOLED display—1.5 times brighter than its predecessor. The 46mm version sports a 1.47" screen, whilst the 41mm model houses a 1.32" display. Both variants boast premium construction incorporating sapphire glass, aerospace-grade titanium alloy, and nanocrystal ceramics.

Huawei Watch 6 health & fitness capabilities

Primarily focusing on outdoor activities, the watch offers:

• Virtual power metre for cyclists—a world first in smartwatches
• Advanced trail running features including altitude trend charts
• High-definition fairway maps for golfers

→ Check out our collection of Huawei Watch straps for all existing models.

Xiaomi Watch 3 Pro

Xiaomi's premium wearable lineup expands with the Watch 3 Pro, promising significant advancements in both technology and design for 2026.

Xiaomi Watch 3 Pro expected features

Leaks suggest the upcoming flagship will support standalone mobile data via eSIM functionality and ultra-fast 10W charging—even faster than the OnePlus Watch 3. Alongside Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the device will feature comprehensive satellite navigation with dual-band GNSS (L1+L5) for precise location tracking. Battery performance appears impressive with a 495 mAh capacity, potentially offering up to 15 days of typical usage.

Xiaomi Watch 3 Pro design & display

The display represents a substantial upgrade with a 1.55-inch AMOLED panel boasting 466×466 pixel resolution (326 PPI) and 600 nits peak brightness. Apart from exceptional visual clarity, the watch features a premium stainless steel frame coupled with 5ATM water resistance—suitable for swimming pools and shallow water activities.

Xiaomi Watch 3 Pro health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring capabilities include:

• 12-channel heart rate monitoring with remarkable 97.95% accuracy
• Blood oxygen saturation tracking with vibration alerts
• Stress monitoring with relaxation prompts
• Sleep analysis incorporating oxygen saturation and respiratory data

Fitness enthusiasts benefit from 150+ sport modes, alongside independent motion tracking through five satellite systems.

Garmin Venu 5

The Garmin Venu 5 aims to elevate the already impressive design-focused smartwatch line with meaningful refinements planned for 2026. As Garmin's answer to mainstream lifestyle wearables, this model balances sophisticated aesthetics with robust health monitoring capabilities.

Garmin Venu 5 expected features

Forthwith, the upcoming Venu 5 will likely incorporate Garmin's latest software improvements, including passcode protection with automatic wrist detection for enhanced security. Battery performance remains a key selling point, potentially matching or exceeding the impressive 11-day battery life found in previous models. As an illustration, the device may feature improved Body Battery functionality that synchronises data across multiple Garmin devices for a more comprehensive energy score. A potential digital crown—implemented using magnetic sensing rather than physical connections—might debut in this design-focused line.

Garmin Venu 5 design & display

The display presumably continues the AMOLED technology tradition, offering bright, vibrant visuals similar to current models. In stark contrast to button-heavy alternatives, the touch-first approach emphasises sleek aesthetics and intuitive controls. Presently, industry analysts anticipate a full metal case similar to recent Venu models, striking a balance between durability and premium feel.

Garmin Venu 5 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring capabilities will maintain the competitive edge with:

• Elevate 5 heart rate sensor for superior accuracy during intense workouts
• ECG functionality for detecting heart rhythm abnormalities
• Skin temperature measurement
• Comprehensive sleep tracking with sleep coach features

Withings ScanWatch Nova 2

Withings bridges the gap between traditional timepieces and advanced health technology with the ScanWatch Nova 2, scheduled for mid-2026 release. This hybrid smartwatch maintains classic aesthetics while incorporating sophisticated health monitoring technologies.

ScanWatch Nova 2 expected features

The standout feature remains its extraordinary battery life—up to 35 days on a single charge, requiring just 2 hours to fully recharge via USB-C. Likewise, the watch offers unlimited cloud storage for health data whilst maintaining 7 days of information directly on-device. Connectivity includes Bluetooth Low Energy for seamless pairing with both iOS (16+) and Android (9.0+) devices. Withings+ subscription enhances functionality through daily health guidance, available as a monthly or annual subscription following a one-month free trial.

ScanWatch Nova 2 design & display

Aesthetically, the ScanWatch Nova 2 features a 42mm stainless steel case with a unique sunray dial. The high-resolution grayscale OLED display (14,504 pixels, 282 PPI, 0.63") provides exceptional readability. Straightaway noticeable are the Super-LumiNova indexes and hands that illuminate in darkness. Construction includes protective anti-reflective sapphire glass, mirror-polished edges, and 10ATM water resistance. The device weighs 63g without its included wristband.

ScanWatch Nova 2 health & fitness capabilities

Health monitoring capabilities include:

• TempTech24/7 module providing baseline temperature fluctuations
• Medical-grade ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation
• Blood oxygen (SpO2) measurement for respiratory assessment

Indeed, the watch automatically tracks sleep cycles, steps, and recognises over 40 activities. Each activity provides detailed metrics including heart rate, calories, and distance.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 6

Mobvoi's signature dual-display technology finds its finest expression in the TicWatch Pro 6, expected to arrive in mid-2026. This innovative smartwatch aims to address battery limitations that plague most competitors through its unique layered screen approach.

TicWatch Pro 6 expected features

The standout feature remains Mobvoi's layered display technology, which simultaneously utilises an AMOLED screen for smart functions alongside a low-power FSTN LCD display. This combination delivers impressive battery longevity—up to 5 days in combined mode (2 days Smart Mode + 3 days Essential Mode). The Essential Mode alone can last approximately 30 days. Fundamentally, the Pro 6 may introduce expanded storage capacity alongside Google Assistant integration. The device will likely support NFC payments and feature programmable hardware buttons for fitness app launching and other functions.

TicWatch Pro 6 design & display

The physical design continues Mobvoi's "elegant and classic" aesthetic with a dual-layer display that preserves battery life without sacrificing functionality. The top layer features a monochrome FSTN LCD showing essential information (date, time, steps, heart rate), while beneath sits a vibrant AMOLED panel for full smartwatch capabilities. The watch offers IP68 water resistance, making it suitable for showering and hand washing but not recommended for swimming.

TicWatch Pro 6 health & fitness capabilities

Primarily designed for comprehensive fitness tracking, the TicWatch Pro 6 supports over 100 professional workout modes. Health monitoring features include 24-hour heart rate tracking, step counting, and sleep analysis. The watch can detect activities automatically through Mobvoi's proprietary AI algorithms.

Amazfit T-Rex 3

Rugged explorers seeking the best smart watch for outdoor adventures will find the Amazfit T-Rex 3 remarkably capable. This military-grade timepiece combines durability with sophisticated tracking technologies.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 expected features

The T-Rex 3 boasts exceptional battery performance with multiple power modes: 27 days in typical use, 13 days with heavy usage, 42 hours in GPS Accurate Mode, and an impressive 180 hours in GPS Max Battery Life Mode. Henceforth, advanced navigation becomes possible through free downloadable offline maps, contour maps for elevation details, and dual-band GPS with six satellite systems. The device offers turn-by-turn navigation with off-route alerts.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 design & display

A standout 1.5-inch AMOLED display achieves 2,000 nits peak brightness, making maps and workout data clearly visible even in direct sunlight. Obviously, the 316L stainless steel bezel enhances durability, alongside military-grade construction that withstands temperatures from -30°C to 70°C. The watch carries 10 ATM water resistance (100m) and freediving certification to 45 metres.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 health & fitness capabilities

With over 170 workout modes spanning ultramarathons to fishing, the watch supports personalised AI training plans. Health tracking includes 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress monitoring.

Comparison table

Conclusion

Smartwatches continue to evolve at a remarkable pace, with 2026 promising groundbreaking advances across all major brands. The wearable technology landscape clearly demonstrates a shift toward more comprehensive health monitoring capabilities alongside extended battery life and innovative designs.

Apple and Samsung remain at the forefront with their respective Series 12 and Galaxy Watch 9 models, both focusing on advanced health metrics, including potential blood pressure monitoring. Google's custom Tensor chip likewise positions the Pixel Watch 5 as a serious competitor, especially with Gemini AI integration that transforms your wrist companion into an intelligent health advisor.

Battery life undoubtedly stands as a critical consideration when choosing your next smartwatch. Huawei leads this category with up to 21 days of usage, whilst Withings impresses with 35 days between charges in their hybrid ScanWatch Nova 2.

After all, the best smartwatch ultimately depends on your specific requirements. Whether you prioritise health tracking, battery longevity, durability, or simply seamless integration with your existing devices, 2026 offers compelling options across every category. Before making your purchase decision, consider which features matter most for your lifestyle, as these advanced wearables increasingly become essential health and productivity companions rather than mere timekeeping accessories.