Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch Beta, rolled out for Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra, offers a sneak peek into the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8’s features. With a revamped UI, new health tools like Antioxidant Index, and smoother animations, the beta is live in the US and South Korea. The stable version is expected by August 2025.
Exploring One UI 8 Watch Beta for Galaxy Watch 8
Beta Rollout Details
Samsung launched the One UI 8 Watch Beta on June 30, 2025, for Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra in South Korea and the US. The program, based on Wear OS 6, is accessible via the Samsung Members app. A build for Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (R955NKOU1ZYG1) was spotted, hinting at an expansion soon.
New UI Design
The beta introduces a cleaner interface with “stadium-shaped” tiles, aligning with the rumored squircle design of the Galaxy Watch 8. A blurred background effect, revamped notifications, and a new charging animation inspired by One UI 7 enhance the visual appeal. The Now Bar, borrowed from Galaxy phones, simplifies task management.
Health and Fitness Features
One UI 8 Watch Beta brings advanced health tools, including:
Antioxidant Index: Tracks dietary antioxidant levels.
Bedtime Guidance: Promotes better sleep habits.
Running Coach: Offers real-time running feedback.
Vascular Load: Monitors cardiovascular health, exclusive to newer models like Galaxy Watch 8.
These features, currently in beta in the US and South Korea, integrate with the Samsung Health app.
Performance Enhancements
Smoother animations and a polished Quick Panel with frosted glass design elevate the user experience. The beta, sized at 1.9GB, requires updated Samsung Members, Galaxy Wearable, and Watch Manager apps for installation. However, LTE models face T-Mobile carrier restrictions, causing confusion among users.
Availability and Limitations
The beta is exclusive to Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra, with Bluetooth models facing fewer restrictions than LTE variants. Samsung’s decision to limit LTE beta access to T-Mobile has drawn criticism. The program may expand to Galaxy Watch 6 and 5 series, but Galaxy Watch 4 support remains uncertain.
Stable Release Timeline
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 series at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, with One UI 8 Watch pre-installed. The stable update for compatible watches, including Galaxy Watch 5 and newer, is slated for late July or early August 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and posts from tech news sources and X. Information is subject to change as Samsung releases official updates. Always verify beta program eligibility through Samsung’s official channels.
