Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Might Get Another Classic and Pixel Watch Raise-to-Talk

Why It Matters

The addition of a classic bezel model and cross‑brand voice calling strengthens Samsung’s position in the premium smartwatch market and expands Wear OS’s feature set, pressuring rivals like Apple and Garmin.

Key Takeaways

• Samsung eyeing Galaxy Watch 9 Classic with rotating bezel.
• New Wear OS code hints at raise‑to‑talk support for third‑party watches.
• Launch slated for July, coinciding with Samsung foldable rollout.
• Google’s RttSettingsManager3pWearOs enables cross‑brand voice communication.
• Classic revival counters previous generation pattern, signaling strong demand.

Pulse Analysis

Samsung’s smartwatch roadmap has long oscillated between sleek, minimalist designs and the beloved rotating‑bezel Classic. The decision to bring back a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic signals that the tactile bezel remains a differentiator for power users who value precise navigation and a premium feel. Analysts note that the Classic line consistently commands higher average selling prices, helping Samsung offset the thin margins typical of wearable hardware. By aligning the new model with its upcoming foldable flagship launch, Samsung aims to create a cohesive ecosystem that encourages cross‑device loyalty.

The raise‑to‑talk feature, initially exclusive to Google’s Pixel Watch 4, enables users to initiate voice calls without touching the screen—a convenience prized by cyclists, runners, and hands‑free professionals. The recent Wear OS update, identified by the RttSettingsManager3pWearOs code, suggests Google is opening this capability to third‑party devices, starting with Samsung’s flagship. This move could accelerate Wear OS adoption by offering a native, carrier‑agnostic voice solution that rivals Apple’s FaceTime and Garmin’s limited voice options. For Samsung, early integration reinforces its partnership with Google and positions the Galaxy Watch 9 as a more compelling alternative in a crowded market.

Timing the Watch 9 debut with Samsung’s next generation of foldable phones creates a synchronized product narrative that emphasizes seamless connectivity. Consumers who purchase the new foldable are likely to consider a matching smartwatch, especially one that offers both classic aesthetics and advanced voice features. In a market where Apple Watch still dominates, Samsung’s dual‑pronged strategy—reviving a high‑margin design while expanding functional parity with Google’s ecosystem—could capture a larger slice of the premium wearables segment and drive incremental revenue across its hardware portfolio.