Samsung is pulling out all the stops with the upcoming launch of its next-generation Galaxy smartwatches— the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. These cutting-edge wearables are designed with renewed hardware, simplified yet bold design, OS 6 powered by One UI 8 Watch, and a host of new features centered around coaching, customization, and security.

Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra: New Colors and Sculpted Shapes

The upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 will be available in classic colors like graphite, silver, and a new pink hue. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, poised as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra, will feature a unique squircle (square with rounded corners) design in titanium with gray, silver, and beige color options. Enhanced by a customizable side action key, dual-band GPS, and diving resistance up to 100 meters, the Watch Ultra promises a high-performance experience.

Samsung Focuses on Renewed Design and OS 6 Integrated with AI

While the Galaxy Watch 8 boasts a more minimalist design with blunt edges and an optimized digital crown, the Ultra delivers a squircle titanium case. Both watches will sport high-brightness circular OLED panels, updated bio-active sensors, and an advanced vibration system. These enhancements elevate the user experience, making the watches not only look sleek but also perform seamlessly under various conditions.

Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch: AI, UI Dynamics, and Predictive Functions

One UI 8 Watch built on OS 6 introduces key AI functionalities, including the Now Bar—a contextual panel activated by double-tap, similar to Apple’s Smart Stack. Health AI Coach delivers personalized coaching, real-time insights, and adaptive nutritional advice, while Running Coach and Earthquake Alerts add new dimensions to workout safety and emergency preparedness. These smart additions turn the Galaxy Watch 8 into a device focused on proactive well-being.

Wear OS 6 vs. watchOS 26: Different Interfaces for the Same Goal

Comparing OS 6 and watchOS 26 reveals contrasting yet complementary approaches. Google and Samsung prioritize a predictive interface that anticipates user needs, while Apple favors a controlled yet visually powerful design inspired by visionOS. Each platform has its strengths, with OS offering modularity and interactive widgets, and Apple’s watchOS focusing on fluid interfaces and integrated functionalities.

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Coaching and Health Monitoring: Motivation and Prevention Objectives

Samsung emphasizes motivational coaching, integrating longitudinal data analysis to provide adaptive training plans. Notifications become more proactive, reminding users to hydrate before stressful events or suggesting breaks when fatigue is detected. Optimized sensors and machine learning algorithms enhance the monitoring of VO2 Max levels, resting oxygen saturation, and night apneas, adding layers of health insights and civil security applications.

Upcoming Launch and Compatibility

The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra are set to launch on July 2025 at Samsung’s UPACKED summer event. Compatible with Android 14 and newer, some features will require a Samsung device updated with Galaxy Active. Estimated prices are around €499 for the Galaxy Watch 8 and €699 for the Watch Ultra. Stay tuned for more updates and potential discounts on previous models.