Overview

• The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, unveiled at July’s Unpacked event, launched globally with Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch software featuring customizable Multi-Info Tiles and the Now Bar.
• The Classic model reintroduces Samsung’s signature rotating bezel and adds a Quick Action button borrowed from the Watch Ultra for workout shortcuts and emergency SOS calls.
• Google’s Gemini AI assistant replaces Bixby as the default voice interface, offering deeper integration with Samsung Health, messages, searches and device controls.
• New health metrics—including an antioxidant index, vascular load measurement and detailed Energy and Sleep Scores—have drawn positive feedback even as daily battery life remains around 30–40 hours with Always-On Display.
• Speculation around the unconfirmed Galaxy Watch 9 suggests Samsung may focus on better battery technology, broader AI-driven health coaching and revised band designs, with all-solid-state “Dream Batteries” not expected until at least 2027.