Samsung is set to roll out its latest smartwatch operating system, One UI 8 Watch, to a broader range of Galaxy Watch models, bringing advanced health tracking features and a refreshed user interface to millions of existing users. Initially launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra, the update will now reach several older smartwatches by the end of this year.
What Is One UI 8 Watch?
One UI 8 Watch is Samsung’s newest software for its Galaxy smartwatches, built on Wear OS 6. It introduces a suite of powerful wellness tools, AI enhancements, and improved interface elements. The update is designed to deepen the connection between users and their health data while delivering a more seamless experience across Samsung’s ecosystem.
Key Features
Some of the standout features in One UI 8 Watch include:
- Running Coach: Offers tailored training plans, real-time pace guidance, and post-run analytics.
- Vascular Load Tracking: Measures cardiovascular strain during rest and activity, giving deeper insight into physical stress.
- Antioxidant Index: Tracks skin-based carotenoid levels, a potential indicator of dietary health and recovery status.
- Improved Tile System: Allows more customizable and glanceable widgets, including weather, heart rate, calendar, and third-party apps.
- Gemini-Powered Assistant: Samsung’s upgraded voice assistant is smarter, faster, and can handle more natural conversations and contextual tasks.
Supported Devices
Samsung has confirmed that the One UI 8 Watch update will be coming to the following models later this year:
- Galaxy Watch 4
- Galaxy Watch 5
- Galaxy Watch 6
- Galaxy Watch 7
- Galaxy Watch 4/5/6/7 Classic, Pro, and FE variants
While not all hardware-dependent features will be available on every device—such as certain biometric readings requiring newer sensors—the majority of One UI 8’s core experience will be delivered across the lineup.
Rollout Timeline
The update will be deployed in phases starting in late Q3 through Q4 of 2025, beginning with the Watch 7 series and gradually extending to older generations. Samsung will notify users through the Galaxy Wearable app once the update becomes available for their specific model and region.
Why It Matters
This move is more than a software refresh—it’s a signal of Samsung’s commitment to long-term support. By extending One UI 8 Watch to devices as old as the Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung is ensuring its wearables remain relevant well beyond their launch dates.
For users, this means better value, extended feature access, and more consistent performance—without the immediate need to upgrade to newer hardware.
What Stays Exclusive?
Despite the broader rollout, a few features will remain exclusive to newer models like the Watch 8 and Watch Ultra. These include faster processing of health data, on-device AI summaries, and some high-precision metrics that require newer sensors. However, the core experience—especially UI improvements and AI assistant features—will be available to most supported watches.
Summary Table
| Feature | One UI 8 Watch |
|---|---|
| Base System | Wear OS 6 |
| Launch Devices | Galaxy Watch 8, Watch Ultra |
| Expansion Models | Watch 4 to Watch 7 (incl. FE, Pro, Classic) |
| Major Features | Running Coach, Antioxidant Index, Gemini AI, Vascular Load |
| Rollout Start | Q3 2025 |
| Rollout End | Expected by Q4 2025 |
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch update is a bold step in redefining longevity in the wearable space. By delivering premium features to older devices, the company is empowering users to enjoy modern experiences without being forced into annual upgrades. As competition heats up in the smartwatch market, this strategy may prove to be both customer-friendly and future-focused.
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