I don’t need Samsung to significantly upgrade the Galaxy Watch 9 — just unlock it

Wait 5 sec.

Wearables have come a long way from just counting steps. These days, they’re feature-packed wellness companions, tracking us through everything from sweaty workouts to abbreviated REM cycles. For a lot of shoppers, the idea of a daily health hub is the whole point. It’s also exactly why Samsung’s approach feels increasingly self-defeating. It’s now 2026, and some of the brand’s headline smartwatch features still depend on what phone you’re using. Samsung’s gated experience