Samsung’s next batch of smartwatches is just a few weeks out from going official. The Galaxy Watch 8 series is expected to debut alongside the company’s latest foldables at its July Unpacked event.
If you’ve been keeping up, Samsung’s smartwatch strategy has followed a pretty predictable rhythm over the years. Two models per generation, usually offered in multiple sizes, and both Bluetooth and LTE variants.
Typically, there’s a standard model and a fancier Classic version with a beloved rotating bezel. But last year, Samsung skipped the Watch 7 Classic entirely and went with the more rugged Watch Ultra instead.
Now, if the leaks are to be believed, Samsung might be hitting rewind. The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup is rumored to bring back the Classic model with the physical rotating bezel. It’ll reportedly launch alongside the regular Watch 8.
So, what exactly can we expect from this year’s wearables? Here’s everything we know so far.
1. What design changes can we expect?
There’s nothing official from Samsung just yet, but thanks to a steady stream of leaks and renders, we’ve already got a pretty solid idea of what’s coming.
Design-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 series is getting a major makeover. Both the regular and Classic models are expected to adopt a “squircle” shape, just like the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra.
And this design shift isn’t just speculation, either. References to the new shape have popped up in Samsung’s One UI 8 firmware, and we have also had a good look at the Watch 8 Classic, thanks to the high-quality CAD renders.
More recently, the Watch 8 Classic surfaced in a few real-life images, which confirms the Watch Ultra’s squircle design and return of a physical rotating bezel. It has three buttons on the right side and a speaker grill on the left.
There appears to be a change in the strap system as well. Based on the leaked photos, the Watch 8 Classic doesn’t use the same strap connectors as older models. As a result, your old Galaxy Watch bands might not fit the new hardware.
2. AI, Health Features, and the Usual Speculation
Samsung itself has been hinting at “AI-powered” upgrades across its Galaxy ecosystem, and that likely includes the upcoming Galaxy smartwatches as well.
In a recent shareholder call, the company teased that an upcoming Galaxy Watch will feature an “innovative design and enhanced health-related features.” That could mean anything, but AI integration seems like a safe bet, given the industry-wide push in that direction.
Last year’s Galaxy Watch 7 introduced some AI-backed coaching tools, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Samsung double down. We might see more personalized training plans, adaptive workout recommendations, or AI-generated health summaries that draw from multiple sensor inputs.
The Galaxy Watch 8 may also include non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Samsung officially announced this feature in January, so it’s plausible to expect it in the upcoming Watch 8 series. There are also rumors that Samsung will introduce an “antioxidant index” as part of its Samsung Health suite.
3. Software Changes
As with most annual updates, the new smartwatches will launch with a refreshed version of Wear OS. There’s not a lot we know about the new OS, but it’s said to bring Samsung’s new “Now Bar” feature from phones to wearables.
If true, the Now Bar will act as a persistent, interactive widget that displays quick information and controls on the screen.
4. So, who is this for?
If you’re still using a Galaxy Watch 4 or earlier, the Galaxy Watch 8 series could be a meaningful upgrade. Between better sensors, a slightly improved battery, and updated software, there’s enough here to justify a switch, especially if you’ve missed the rotating bezel.
But if you’re coming from a Watch 6 or 7, the upgrades might feel incremental. Slight design refinements, an efficiency-focused processor, and some AI-driven software features don’t amount to a full generational leap.
As we move closer to the official launch, more concrete details will likely emerge. But based on what we know so far, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks like a careful generational evolution.
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