Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Really a Copy of the Apple Watch Ultra? Let’s Dive In
There’s been a lot of buzz lately, especially from Apple fans, claiming that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a copy of the Apple Watch Ultra. Even sites like 9to5Google have jumped on the bandwagon, accusing Samsung of copying not only Apple’s design but also that of a $6,000 Hermès watch. But is this really the case? Is Samsung just mimicking its competitors, or is there more to the story? Let’s dig into the details and see if these claims hold any weight.
1. Samsung’s Design Roots: Looking Back to 2017
First off, if Samsung copied anyone, it’s actually themselves! Remember the 2017 Gear S3 Frontier? That’s where the “squirkle” design (a blend of square and circle) originated. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s design is heavily inspired by that model, featuring a circular dial on a square body, a look that Samsung has played with long before Apple entered the scene. Apple’s first Ultra Watch only appeared in 2022, and the Hermès H08 came out in 2021. So, it’s a bit of a stretch to say Samsung copied these newer designs for their Galaxy Watch Ultra chassis.
2. The Classic Cushion Case Design
Let’s talk about the watch shape itself. The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a “cushion case” design—a style that’s been around since the mid-20th century. This rounded square shape isn’t exclusive to Apple, Hermès, or even Samsung. In fact, it’s been used by various watchmakers over the decades. Samsung’s choice to incorporate this classic design is more of a nod to traditional watchmaking than a copycat move. It’s a timeless style that many brands have adapted and used.
3. The ‘Ultra’ Naming Debate
Now, some people argue that Samsung copied Apple’s ‘Ultra’ branding for their top-tier models. But here’s the kicker: Samsung has been using the ‘Ultra’ label on their flagship devices for years, way before Apple decided to jump on that bandwagon in 2022. In fact, Sony even used the ‘Ultra’ name on their big phones over a decade ago. So, the question is, who’s really copying who here?
4. The Orange Band Controversy
Another hot topic is the orange band. Critics are quick to claim that Samsung copied this feature from Apple’s Watch Ultra. But let’s set the record straight—Samsung used the same orange color on their S3 Frontier five years before Apple did. The use of orange bands isn’t even exclusive to either brand; it’s a well-established tradition in diving watches. The reason is practical—orange is highly visible underwater, making it easier for divers to spot. Watchmakers have used this for decades, long before the Apple Watch Ultra was a thing.
Okay, maybe the hollow tube design on the band does look a bit like Apple’s Ocean Band, but that’s also a common feature in rugged watches. It allows airflow and provides sturdiness without adding extra weight, which makes sense for an outdoor-focused watch like Samsung’s. This isn’t necessarily an Apple original either; it’s a functional design that many brands have adopted.
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5. The Action Button: A Direct Apple Influence?
This is one area where I’ll admit that Samsung may have taken direct inspiration from Apple. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a customizable action button on the side, similar to Apple’s design, which lets you start workouts or launch apps. But is that really a bad thing? In tech, good ideas often get adopted across brands because they enhance user experience. Samsung saw a feature that worked well and decided to implement it in their own way, which is fair game.
6. Software Features: Who’s Really Copying Whom?
Some people have pointed out that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra includes software features like night mode and a siren, which are similar to those on the Apple Watch. While this is true, software features are copied all the time. If we’re going to call this copying, then iOS 18 might as well be a greatest-hits compilation of Android features from the past decade. Tech brands borrowing ideas from one another isn’t new; it’s just part of the industry.
7. Is Samsung Completely Innocent?
Now, I’m not saying Samsung is totally innocent here. They’ve definitely drawn inspiration from other watches, including Apple’s. But to label the Galaxy Watch Ultra as a blatant copy is, frankly, a bit much. Samsung could have easily avoided these comparisons by not using the orange band or the ‘Ultra’ name. But they chose not to, and there’s a reason for that: marketing.
8. Samsung’s Marketing Strategy: Tapping into Apple’s Brand Recognition
Apple has successfully positioned the ‘Ultra’ name as the pinnacle of their product line. By using the same name for their own high-end watches, Samsung is tapping into that established recognition. Now, when you hear ‘Ultra’ in reference to a smartwatch, you don’t just think of Apple—you think of Samsung too. It’s a smart strategy, and let’s face it, it’s working.
The orange band? That’s also a calculated move to generate buzz and get people talking. And guess what? It’s working! Apple sites and forums are filled with discussions about the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with some people even saying they prefer it over Apple’s version. This kind of conversation is exactly what Samsung wants—it positions their watch as a serious competitor and makes it impossible to ignore.
In the end, the Galaxy Watch Ultra may have taken some inspiration from Apple and other brands, but it’s not a carbon copy. Samsung knows what they’re doing—they’re stirring up buzz and positioning themselves as a major player in the smartwatch market.
