Samsung is delivering One UI 8 for older Galaxy Watches

Samsung is now equipping older Galaxy Watches with the latest One UI version 8. Contrary to initial assumptions, owners of the Galaxy Watch 4 series will also enjoy the current Android version. However, likely for the last time.

In mid-June, Samsung's plans for the update to One UI 8 Watch became known when the first beta versions were distributed for younger smartwatches. With One UI 8, the watches can now help find an optimal sleep time to maximize the wake phase the following day. Newer Galaxy Watches are also supposed to detect "cardiovascular system strain." The running coach is intended to help beginners in particular with "coordinated intensity training and injury prevention exercises."

Under the hood

One UI 8 is based on Google's Wear OS 6, which landed on the manufacturer's Pixel smartwatches in October. It brings a significantly fresher look with "Material 3 Expressive." This is particularly noticeable during charging, where instead of a Spartan display, there is now the colorful progress bar known from smartphones. Scrolling up or down through notifications or menus is now accompanied by a visually pleasing zoom effect. Power consumption is said to be optimized; Google promises ten percent more battery life for Pixel smartwatches.

Google's Wear OS 6 is in turn based on the current Android 16. Even though the update became available shortly before Christmas – the security patches are dated October 1, 2025.

While this major version update is apparently the last one the manufacturer will release for the Galaxy Watch 4 series – which were released in 2021, with a four-year update promise –, security updates may follow for another year.

A more current patch level would certainly be desirable, but attacks on smartwatches have not yet caused much attention. Perhaps this is reason enough for Samsung not to rely on the latest security updates here.

(dmk)