Samsung's next-generation smartwatch is inching closer to its official debut as regulatory certifications emerge and company executives tease significant design changes. The Galaxy Watch 8 series appears poised for a summer release, bringing potential upgrades that might finally convince Galaxy Watch 6 owners it's time for an upgrade.
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| The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Galaxy Watch 6 display Samsung's previous smartwatch variants, relevant as the Galaxy Watch 8 approaches its launch |
Certifications Signal Imminent Launch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have recently received 3C certification in China, a crucial regulatory milestone indicating the devices are moving toward release. This certification follows earlier FCC approval in the United States, suggesting Samsung is finalizing preparations for a global launch. According to industry sources, the certification confirms LTE connectivity and 10W charging capabilities for both models, with a possible 15W travel adapter included in the package.
July Launch Alongside New Foldables
Following Samsung's established release pattern, the Galaxy Watch 8 series is expected to debut in July at a Galaxy Unpacked event in New York City. This timing aligns with previous launches, as the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 6 were unveiled on July 10 and July 26 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The smartwatches will likely share the spotlight with Samsung's next-generation foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
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| Comparison of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 illustrates the evolution of Samsung's smartwatch design as we await the Galaxy Watch 8 launch |
Innovative Design Promised
In a notable revelation during Samsung's Q1 2025 earnings call, Daniel Araujo, Corporate VP of the MX Division, teased that the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 would feature an innovative design alongside enhanced health-related features. This statement has fueled speculation about what form this redesign might take.
Potential Squircle Design Influence
Leaked images and industry rumors suggest the Galaxy Watch 8 might adopt design elements from the Galaxy Watch Ultra, potentially incorporating a squircle chassis with a circular display. This would mark a significant departure from the fully circular design of the Galaxy Watch 6, giving the new model a distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar circular screen that users prefer for traditional watch faces.
Return of the Classic Variant
After skipping a generation, Samsung appears ready to reintroduce the Classic variant with the Galaxy Watch 8 series. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic would likely feature the popular physical rotating bezel that many Samsung smartwatch enthusiasts have missed, providing an alternative to the digital bezel found on standard models.
Health Features and Sensors
The Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to leverage Samsung's latest BioActive sensor technology, building upon improvements introduced with the Watch 7. While the Galaxy Watch 6 suffered from some accuracy issues with health metrics and GPS data, the newer sensor technology should address these shortcomings and potentially introduce new health monitoring capabilities.
Software Improvements with Wear OS 6
Samsung will likely launch the Galaxy Watch 8 with Wear OS 6, which has already been previewed ahead of Google I/O 2025. The new operating system promises a 10% battery life improvement for compatible devices. While the Galaxy Watch 6 currently runs Wear OS 5, it should eventually receive an update to Wear OS 6 as part of its remaining software support cycle.
Gemini Integration
Both new and existing Samsung smartwatches will receive Gemini support in the coming months, replacing Google Assistant as the primary voice assistant. Samsung has confirmed that Gemini will offer hands-free assistance through natural voice commands, helping with reminders, summaries, and notifications. The Galaxy Watch 8 may launch with exclusive Gemini and Galaxy AI features before they trickle down to older models.
Battery Life Expectations
Despite hopes for improved endurance, regulatory filings suggest the Galaxy Watch 8 will maintain the same 40-hour battery life estimate as its predecessor. Documents reveal the 44mm model will receive a modest 10mAh capacity increase to 435mAh, while the 40mm variant's battery capacity remains unchanged. This indicates users shouldn't expect significant improvements in time between charges.
Pricing Considerations
If Samsung maintains its pricing structure from previous generations, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 could start at USD $299, with the 44mm variant at USD $329. However, current economic factors and U.S. tariff situations leave the door open for potential price increases. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 has seen significant price drops since its release, now available for approximately USD $150 to $180 at major retailers.
Worth the Upgrade?
For Galaxy Watch 6 owners primarily using basic smartwatch features like notifications and media controls, the Galaxy Watch 8 might not represent an essential upgrade. The Watch 6 still has approximately two years of software support remaining and will eventually receive Wear OS 6. However, users who prioritize accurate health and fitness metrics may find the Watch 8's improved sensors and potential new health features compelling enough to justify the upgrade.
As Samsung's summer launch event approaches, more details about the Galaxy Watch 8 series will likely emerge, providing a clearer picture of whether this new generation represents a must-have upgrade or an incremental improvement to an already capable smartwatch lineup.