Upcoming smartwatches & health tech to expect in 2026
Keeping up with the relentless pace of wearable tech releases can be exhausting and expensive if you buy at the wrong time. This tracker is your roadmap to the next generation of smartwatches, rings and fitness trackers. We monitor regulatory filings (FCC, Bluetooth SIG), supply chain leaks, and historical release cycles to predict exactly when the next big device will drop.
🟢 Imminent: Regulatory filings (FCC/Bluetooth SIG) spotted.
🔴 Rumored: Based on leaks or yearly cycles.
🟡 Likely: Evidence exists (code names, renders).
Use the Verdict column to time your purchase:
- WAIT: A successor is imminent. Waiting ensures you see the new features (or get a price drop on the old one) before committing.
- BUY: The current generation is fresh or the successor is 6+ months away. It is safe to buy now.
- NEUTRAL: The current device is still capable, but we recommend buying only if you find a nice discount.
- WATCH: Early rumors only. We are tracking this device, but specs and dates are not yet confirmed.
Device | Certainty | Basis | Expected | Verdict | Latest intel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazfit Ultra 2 | 🟢 | Regulatory filing, APK | Q1 2026 | WAIT | |
Oppo Watch X3 | 🟢 | Regulatory filing | Q1 2026 | WAIT | |
Huawei “Racing Legend” | 🟢 | Company teaser | Q1 2026 | WAIT | |
Amazfit Active 3 Premium | 🟢 | Regulatory filing, APK | Q1/Q2 2026 | WAIT | |
Polar Street X | 🟢 | Regulatory filing | Q1/Q2 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
Reebok Stride / Rush | 🟢 | Regulatory filing | Q1/Q2 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
Garmin CIRQA | 🟢 | Official Site Leak | Q1/Q2 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
Garmin Vivosmart 6 | 🔴 | Possible regulatory filing | Q1/Q2 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro | 🔴 | Possible regulatory filing | Q1/Q2 2026 | WATCH | |
Xiaomi Smart Band 11 | 🟢 | Likely Cycle | Q3 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
RingConn Gen 3 | 🟢 | Likely Cycle, regulatory filing | Q3 2026 | NEUTRAL | |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | 🟢 | Likely Cycle | Jul 2026 | BUY (Series 8 is safe) | |
Apple Watch Series 12 | 🟢 | Likely Cycle | Sep 2026 | BUY (Series 11 is safe) | |
Apple Watch Ultra 4 | 🟢 | Likely Cycle | Sep 2026 | BUY (Ultra 3 is safe) | |
Google Pixel Watch 5 | 🟡 | Likely Cycle | Oct 2026 | ||
Garmin Fenix 9 | 🟡 | Likely Cycle | Late 2026/2027 | BUY (Series 8 is safe) | |
Ultrahuman Ring Pro | 🟡 | Trademark filing | mid 2026 | BUY | |
Emotion tracking Amazfit band | 🔴 | Patent | n/a | WATCH | |
Suunto Whoop competitor | 🔴 | Survey | n/a | WATCH | |
Ultrahuman Whoop competitor | 🔴 | Rumor | n/a | WATCH |
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