Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 tipped to revive Classic design and copy Pixel's raise-to-talk

At a glance:

• Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 series may bring back the Classic model after skipping the Watch 7 generation.
• The raise-to-talk feature from Pixel Watch 4 could debut on Galaxy Watch 9 through new Wear OS code.
• Launch is expected in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, per industry reports.

What the code reveals

Newly discovered code in an undisclosed Wear OS update has surfaced suggesting Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Watch 9 series with a Classic variant. This would mark a reversal of the pattern seen in recent generations, where the Classic model alternated in and out of production.

The Galaxy Watch lineup has historically offered a Classic option, which features Samsung's signature rotating bezel mechanism. This design choice was present on the Galaxy Watch 4, absent on the Watch 5, reintroduced for the Watch 6, omitted from the Watch 7, and then returned for the Watch 8 series. Following this cycle, the Watch 9 Classic should not have been planned, yet fresh code hints suggest otherwise.

Android Authority uncovered three codenames in the update: "fresh9," "wise9," and "projectv2." These align with last year's identifiers—"fresh8" for Galaxy Watch 8, "wise8" for Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and "projectx2" for Galaxy Watch Ultra (2026). Notably, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic used the codename "wise6bs," reinforcing the likelihood that "wise9" corresponds to the Classic model.

Pixel Watch's feature comes to Wear OS

In addition to the Classic revival, the code suggests Galaxy Watch 9 may adopt the raise-to-talk feature popularized by Pixel Watch 4. Google's implementation references this function as "RttSettingsManagerPixelWatch," while the new update introduces "RttSettingsManager3pWearOs," indicating broader third-party support for Wear OS devices.

Given the tight collaboration between Samsung and Google on Wear OS in recent years, it's unsurprising that Samsung would be among the first to integrate this functionality. The raise-to-talk feature allows users to activate voice commands by lifting their wrist, streamlining hands-free interaction with the device.

This move reflects the growing convergence of Wear OS features across manufacturers, as Google and Samsung continue to refine the platform together. The addition of raise-to-talk could enhance the user experience for Galaxy Watch 9 owners, bringing it closer to the Pixel Watch's capabilities.

Why it matters

The potential return of the Galaxy Watch Classic model signals Samsung's response to consumer demand for premium design elements. The rotating bezel has long been a beloved feature among users, and its absence in certain generations sparked concern about the brand's commitment to tactile interface design.

Meanwhile, adopting the raise-to-talk feature positions Samsung to compete more directly with Google's Pixel Watch lineup. As smartwatch competition intensifies, these incremental improvements help maintain Samsung's edge in the premium Wear OS market.

The July launch window, coinciding with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, offers Samsung an opportunity to showcase its latest wearable innovations alongside its flagship smartphones. This timing could boost overall product visibility and drive consumer interest in the Galaxy ecosystem.

Analysts will be watching how these features perform in the market, particularly given the mixed reception of some recent Watch iterations. The Watch 9 series could be a pivotal release for Samsung's wearable strategy heading into 2026.