Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Watch 7 series has made its way to the rumor mill, and the latest leak from OnLeaks and Smartprix has unveiled the striking design of the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, a new addition to the lineup. Breaking away from the circular design that has characterized previous Galaxy Watch generations, the Ultra variant embraces a squarish silhouette, reminiscent of a ‘squircle’. This unique form factor sets it apart from the Apple Watch or Watch Ultra’s distinctly square design with straight edges. Samsung has opted for a ‘squircle’ shape, creating a distinctive identity that echoes the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch from years past. While the design may elicit varied opinions, we reserve judgment until we can experience the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra firsthand. However, the influence of the Apple Watch Ultra (Gen 1 and 2) is evident in the raised platform on the side, albeit with three buttons instead of two. Samsung has typically incorporated two buttons into its smartwatches, but the Watch 7 Ultra introduces a third, round button positioned between two oblong ones. The purpose of this round button remains uncertain, as it lacks ridges and does not resemble a rotating crown. The circular display, a staple of the Galaxy Watch lineup, remains intact and is surrounded by a raised bezel similar to the Classic version. This bezel is expected to retain its rotating functionality, potentially making a rotating crown redundant. The display measures 1.5 inches in diameter, while the dial is slightly smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra’s 47mm (1.85 inches), surpassing the 46mm Galaxy Watch 6. The squarish exterior and circular display suggest a larger internal chamber, which is rumored to accommodate a more capacious battery, with a speculated capacity of 578 mAh. Internally, the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is anticipated to make a significant leap with the new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, which could potentially elevate its performance to match the Apple Watch’s chip, a scaled-down version of the iPhone’s A-series chip. The leaked renders also showcase a redesigned strap that seamlessly blends into the body, akin to the Apple Watch. Samsung introduced strap lock updates last year, and we may witness further refinements, particularly in the Watch 7 Ultra. The color options hinted at in the renders include black and white for the straps and a single black variant with a gunmetal or titanium finish for the dial. We anticipate more color options to be unveiled upon launch. The Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is also rumored to feature an upgraded sensor array, including the standard PPG and blood oxygen sensors, along with the addition of a temperature sensor. It may even become the first smartwatch capable of noninvasive blood sugar monitoring, although this feature is reportedly contingent upon approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As for software, Samsung’s One UI for Watch based on Wear OS 5 is expected to power the Watch 7 series, as previewed at Google I/O 2024. While significant visual changes to the software are unlikely, Samsung may introduce AI-powered features to enhance workout and sleep tracking. As we approach the launch date, more details about the Galaxy Watch 7 series, including the intriguing Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, are likely to emerge.