2025 was an exciting year for wearable tech. Oura dropped a new smart ring, Apple updated every Apple Watch model in the lineup, Samsung brought back the clicky bezel for its flagship Galaxy Watch and lots of revolutionary new safety tools debuted—including hypertension detection (Apple) and loss of pulse detection (Google).
So, what does 2026 have in store for wearable devices? It’s time for me to once again gaze into the consumer tech crystal ball (I just updated the firmware) and make predictions for the year ahead.
With that in mind, here are the potential product drops I’m most excited for in 2026, from likely-to-launch models to total Hail Marys.
Apple Watch Series 12
You can bet your bottom dollar that Apple will debut a new Apple Watch Series 12 come fall, 2026. The Cupertino kid has maintained this release schedule for the brand’s flagship smartwatch for eleven years straight; the Apple Watch Series 11 is the latest installment.
With the wallet-friendly SE and rugged Ultra series refreshed every two to three years — and I don’t expect a new version of either for 2026 — this frees up Apple to focus solely on the Series 12.
Ultimately, the jump from the Apple Watch Series 10 to the Series 11 is a minor one. The newer model sports the same case design and display, with better battery life, slightly tougher screen protection, optional 5G (vs. 4G-LTE), and not a whole lot else.
The Series 12 might represent a more significant update, akin to the jump from the Series 9 to the Series 10.
This leads me to believe that the Series 12 might represent a more significant update, akin to the jump from the Series 9 to the Series 10, which brought about a new, sleeker case design, faster charging, and a better display.
Rumors on the Apple Watch Series 12 are fairly thin as of writing, but upgraded health tracking tools, a more efficient and potentially brighter display, onboard Apple Intelligence features, and improved battery life are all possible.
Fitbit Charge 7
I’ve got to be honest, up until a few months ago, I really thought Fitbit was as good as dead. However, reps from the brand casually mentioned new Fitbit models for 2026 during a press briefing on the latest AI-powered, personalized Fitbit Premium features (the Fitbit app is also the default workout app on the Pixel Watch range).
With Google also acknowledging the end of the road for Fitbit-branded smartwatches, the new models will likely come in the form of traditional fitness trackers.
Despite debuting in 2023, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker available today.
Despite debuting in 2023, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker available today, and gosh darn is it due for a refresh. Not only would such a move make my job as a wearables reviewer much easier — I recommend the Charge 6 frequently, but with the caveat that it's long in the tooth — it would likely keep the Fitbit name at the forefront of the best fitness tracker convo for the foreseeable future.
As far as features, rumors are far and few between. So, here’s what I’m hoping for in a Fitbit Charge 6: Improved battery life that lasts well over a week, an onboard altimeter for precision elevation data, dual-band GPS for better location tracking, onboard music storage, and a larger, brighter display… all in a similarly-sized package. Oh, and some additional smart features would be nice.
Fitbit Inspire 4
The other likely Fitbit candidate due for a refresh is the Fitbit Inspire 3, which debuted all the way back in 2022. This is Fitbit’s most entry-level, wallet-friendly option. It’s also the lightest, easiest-wearing Fitbit in the lineup.
Like a potential Charge 7, leaks and insider details on the Fitbit Inspire 4 amount to little. So once again, here’s what I’m wishing for: a larger and brighter screen, onboard GPS (even if it’s only single-band), support for NFC payments, onboard music storage, and a similarly affordable price to the Inspire 3 ($99).
Samsung Galaxy Ring 2
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is roughly a year-and-a-half old. One of my top choices in our best smart ring guide, unlike the wearables above, there are a number of Galaxy Ring 2 rumors floating around, some more believable than others.
Potential upgrades include a thinner and more comfortable design, significant battery life gains, an onboard body temperature sensor, improved tracking accuracy, all sorts of new AI-based personalized training tools, and an expansion of the sizes.
As of writing, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is the closest smart ring to beating the Oura Ring 4. No doubt, Samsung is eager to jump ahead of the competition with its follow-up device. With that in mind, if we do get a Galaxy Ring 2 in 2026, I’m betting it will be a fairly hefty upgrade.
Apple Ring
Okay, now we’re officially in ‘probably not going to happen’ territory, but a wearable tech journalist can dream. Rumors of an Apple Ring have been circulating since before I was of legal drinking age (I’m 37). Over the year, Apple has filed all sorts of patents that seem to hint at a potential finger-based wearable.
The question is, are these patents being filed as a purely defensive move, or do Tim Cook and Co. actually have intentions to one day drop an Apple smart ring? I obviously cannot say; my crystal ball only sees so much.
If we do get an Apple Ring in 2026, and that’s an ‘if’ the size of the Burj Khalifa, it could be pretty darn cool. From gesture controls and an onboard voice assistant (here’s hoping for an AI-powered Siri) to advanced fitness-focused tools and seamless integration with all your other Apple products, I’d be first in line to try the Apple iRing.
What wearable technology launches are you most hoping for in 2026? And what are some features that might convince you to upgrade from your current wearable? Let me know in the comments below.
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