Samsung is set to introduce a significant update to its Galaxy Watch lineup with the upcoming One UI 8 Watch update. The update will bring a host of new features and improvements, focusing on enhanced health tracking and advanced AI capabilities. One of the major changes is the replacement of Google Assistant with Google Gemini.
While similar to Google Assistant, Gemini introduces new functionalities such as the ability to adjust calendar events, summarize emails, and check the weather. Users can give commands like “move my next meeting 30 minutes later” or “summarize my last email.” There is also an option to mute Gemini’s voice output by tapping the screen. The update will also introduce a new feature called the “Antioxidant Index” in Samsung Health.
This feature uses the Galaxy Watch’s health sensor to measure beta-carotene levels non-intrusively. Although intended to help users tailor their nutrition, Samsung emphasizes that it is not meant for diagnosing medical conditions. Users will be able to press their thumb on the sensor, space out measurements by at least 10 seconds, and monitor progress on their phone.
Other updates include new, colorful icons for Samsung’s apps, new system sounds, an updated “Over the Horizon” ringtone, a new Shortcuts app, and the Now Bar for improved user experience. The One UI 8 Watch update is expected to launch with the Galaxy Watch 8 series later this year, coinciding with the release of One UI 8 on Samsung’s new foldable phones, which are rumored to be released in July. In related news, a device presumed to be the Galaxy Watch 8 recently appeared in FCC filings under the model numbers SM-L335U and SM-L335F.
The device is categorized as a “Smart Wearable” and features WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and more. While the FCC documentation does not explicitly name this device as the Galaxy Watch 8, patterns from previous models strongly suggest this is the next iteration in Samsung’s wearable lineup.
New Galaxy Watch AI enhancements
The FCC confirmation details LTE, 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility. The digital FCC label also hints at Wear OS integration and suggests the inclusion of 10W charging capabilities. As the summer progresses, more comprehensive information is expected to emerge, either from FCC filings or official announcements from Samsung.
In addition to the new features and improvements, Samsung is also set to introduce One UI 7’s ‘Now Bar’ feature to its Galaxy Watch lineup, potentially with the forthcoming One UI 8 Watch update. This revelation comes from a recent teardown of a leaked version of the SecClockWorkSysUI APK (version 4.0.57). The Now Bar is designed to provide real-time, glanceable information directly on the watch screen.
It will surface contextually relevant data, such as media controls, sports scores, and tips on using the Now Bar without requiring users to navigate away from their watch face. The feature offers customization options, allowing users to choose between a minimal visual display (just an icon) or a more comprehensive one that includes both the icon and text. One notable discovery from the code strings suggests that gesture-based actions will enable users to double-pinch their Galaxy Watches to open the Now Bar.
This feature may also allow for additional actions, such as navigating through notifications or tiles when the Now Bar has no current content. The Now Bar will essentially act as a widget system on the Galaxy Watches, offering a smart, glanceable interface. There is speculation that Samsung may add more categories, including health metrics and exercise updates, further enhancing the feature’s utility.
While this information comes from a pre-release APK and remains unofficial, it strongly suggests that One UI 8 Watch will deliver a smarter, more user-friendly interface to Galaxy Watches. It is possible Samsung might release the Now Bar feature ahead of the One UI 8 Watch release, as the beta testing phase approaches. Stay tuned for more updates on Samsung’s upcoming One UI developments and the release of the Galaxy Watch 8 series.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
