Samsung is reportedly shifting its strategy for the Galaxy Watch, planning a broader lineup in 2024 with three distinct versions instead of the traditional two. The information originates from industry insiders and has circulated through GizmoChina reporting channels. The change signals a more granular product spectrum designed to cater to varying budgets and feature needs, aligning with Samsung’s pattern of expanding choice for smartwatches in a competitive market.
According to this new information, the Galaxy Watch 7 series for 2024 is expected to launch in three variants. There are telltale indications that Samsung will modify the model numbering for the new generation, creating a clearer distinction between entry, midrange, and premium models. The base offerings are said to be labeled SM-L300 and SM-L305, the midrange options SM-L310 and SM-L315, and the top-tier devices SM-L700 and SM-L705. An important detail is the potential inclusion of cellular connectivity in the models ending with the number 5, which would rely on eSIM technology for independent network access. This would appeal to users who want always-on connectivity without a wearable’s reliance on a smartphone tether. The shift could broaden appeal for fitness tracking, navigation, payments, and app access on the go.
Storage capacity is another area where improvements are anticipated. The Galaxy Watch 7 lineup is rumored to double internal storage, moving from 16 GB to 32 GB. This increase would empower users to house more apps, watch faces, and music for offline playback, reducing the need to manage space through streaming alone. It would also support smoother app performance and longer offline media experiences, which many wearables enthusiasts value for trips or commutes.
The software ecosystem is set to accompany the hardware refresh. The Galaxy Watch 7 series is expected to launch with Wear OS 5 based on Android 14, continuing Samsung’s collaboration with Google to deliver a more integrated and versatile smartwatch experience. The new operating system layer is anticipated to bring performance improvements, more expressive watch faces, and expanded health and productivity features that leverage cloud services and third-party apps. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 7 alongside other flagship devices during the next Galaxy Unpacked event, which is slated for July 2024. The event is anticipated to showcase the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 6, Galaxy Buds 3, and Galaxy Ring, highlighting Samsung’s push to create a cohesive ecosystem across wearables and mobile devices.
As a closing note, industry observers recall that Samsung has previously diversified its wearables lineup to meet different consumer needs. In a similar vein, Xiaomi has introduced budget-friendly Mijia smart glasses to broaden the accessibility of smart-device features in daily life and workouts, illustrating a broader trend toward affordable smart accessories alongside premium devices.