Samsung appears to be preparing a notable rethink of its flagship device lineup, with fresh evidence suggesting changes to both its smartwatch and tablet strategies. Newly surfaced entries in an international certification database indicate that the company is developing several new products, including a next-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra and a restructured Galaxy Tab S12 series.
The details emerged on February 2, when multiple upcoming Samsung devices were spotted in the GSMA certification database. Among them are references to a Galaxy Watch 9, a new Ultra-branded smartwatch, and two high-end tablets under the Tab S12 name — but notably, no standard Tab S12 model.
A clear successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra
In the wearables category, the Galaxy Watch 9 appears under the model number SM-L345, while a second smartwatch, widely believed to be the next Galaxy Watch Ultra, carries the designation SM-L716. The latter has drawn particular attention from industry watchers.
Previous generations provide useful context. The Galaxy Watch 8 line used multiple model numbers — SM-L320, SM-L330, and SM-L335 — depending on size and connectivity. By contrast, Samsung’s two Ultra models released in 2024 and 2025 both shared the same model number, SM-L705, raising questions about how much they differed internally.
The appearance of a new Ultra model number is therefore significant. Analysts interpret SM-L716 as a sign that Samsung is finally preparing a fully distinct successor to its first Ultra smartwatch, rather than another minor refresh. If confirmed, it would mark the first clear generational leap for the Ultra line since its debut in 2024.
Galaxy Tab S12 may drop the base model
The GSMA listings also hint at a strategic shift in Samsung’s tablet lineup. Two devices are listed under the Galaxy Tab S12 banner: Tab S12+ (SM-X846) and Tab S12 Ultra (SM-X946). A standard Tab S12 model has not appeared in the database so far.
That would be a departure from the previous generation. In 2025, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S11 alongside the Tab S11 Ultra. The base Tab S11 used model numbers SM-X730 and SM-X736, while the Ultra variant appeared as SM-X930 and SM-X936, depending on connectivity options.
Skipping the entry-level model in the next cycle would suggest a stronger emphasis on premium tablets, potentially streamlining the lineup around higher-margin devices. While certification listings do not guarantee final product plans, they often reflect decisions already made deep in the development process.
Samsung has not officially announced any of these products. Still, the combination of newly revealed model numbers and the absence of a standard Tab S12 points to a broader realignment of the company’s wearable and tablet portfolios — one that prioritises clearer differentiation and a heavier focus on high-end offerings.
