Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Fresh Design, AI Upgrades, and What to Expect

Samsung has officially confirmed what many tech enthusiasts have been anticipating—the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is on its way, and it’s arriving with a completely fresh design. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Alongside the new look, Samsung is preparing to roll out exciting features that could transform the smartwatch experience, plus there’s buzz about another flagship wearable: the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Let’s break down everything we know so far about Samsung’s next big wearable launch.

A New Era for the Galaxy Watch Classic

During its recent earnings call, Samsung dropped the news that its upcoming Galaxy Watch would feature an “innovative design” and significantly upgraded AI health features. While the company hasn’t released official images or in-depth details of the redesign, insiders and leaks strongly suggest that this refers to the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

For weeks, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has been at the center of the smartwatch rumor mill, with reports hinting at both hardware and software advancements. And if Samsung’s track record is any indication, we can expect a product that blends style with cutting-edge technology.

What Models Will Launch at Unpacked?

Samsung’s Unpacked event in July is shaping up to be a blockbuster. We can confidently say that at least two models will be unveiled: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. This has been confirmed through multiple certification listings across regulatory bodies.

Interestingly, some reports—particularly from Techmaniacs, a generally reliable source—have speculated that Samsung could also introduce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same event. While this sounds exciting, it’s worth approaching this rumor with caution. Here’s why:

• Lack of leaks: Typically, when Samsung is close to launching a major product, leaks start popping up across the web. So far, the Ultra 2 has been notably absent from the rumor circuit.

• Samsung’s release cycle: Historically, Samsung alternates its launches, releasing a Classic model one year and a Pro or Ultra the next. This strategy prevents the lineup from becoming overcrowded and helps maintain strong sales across models. Based on this pattern, the Ultra 2 may not arrive until next year.

• The smartwatch market: Let’s face it—smartwatch innovation has been progressing at a slower pace. Skipping a year for the Ultra model could actually be a smart move, allowing Samsung to introduce meaningful upgrades when the time is right.

Bigger Battery, Better Life

One of the biggest concerns smartwatch users have is battery life, and Samsung seems to be addressing that with the Galaxy Watch 8. According to a certification from SafetyKorea, the Watch 8 will come equipped with a 435mAh battery—a slight but welcome improvement over the Galaxy Watch 7.

We’re still waiting on final battery details for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Traditionally, the Classic models have slightly smaller batteries compared to the Pro or Ultra variants. But many fans, myself included, are hoping Samsung will break that trend this year and offer a Classic model with battery life that rivals or even surpasses the Ultra lineup.

Software: Meet Wear OS 6 and One UI 7 Watch

A major part of the Galaxy Watch 8 upgrade isn’t just hardware—it’s software. Samsung is launching the Watch 8 with Wear OS 6, layered with its own custom interface, One UI 7 Watch.

This new software will integrate closely with One UI 7 on Samsung smartphones, delivering consistent icons, smoother animations, and an overall polished experience across devices. But the real showstopper here is artificial intelligence.

Gemini AI: A Smarter Assistant on Your Wrist

Google’s Gemini AI is officially replacing Google Assistant on the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. This is a big deal—not just for the new models, but for older Galaxy Watch devices as well, which will receive the upgrade. Gemini AI is designed to provide smarter, faster, and more contextually aware assistance, enhancing everything from voice commands to daily reminders.

Three Groundbreaking AI Health Features

Samsung isn’t stopping with just a better assistant. The company is bringing three groundbreaking AI-powered health features to the Galaxy Watch 8:

1. Vascular Load Indicator:
   Developed by Samsung Health Labs, this feature tracks how your daily physical activity impacts your cardiovascular system. It provides insights into whether your heart is being overloaded or if you’re maintaining healthy exercise habits over time.

2. Antioxidant Index Graph:
   This innovative feature measures your body’s antioxidant status and feeds that data into Galaxy AI. The result? Personalized nutrition advice, including meal plans and recipes designed to optimize your antioxidant levels—something we haven’t seen from other wearables.

3. AI Health Coach:
   Unlike traditional fitness apps that offer pre-written tips, this AI health coach responds to your real-time questions, provides tailored insights, and acts as a virtual personal trainer. It will rely heavily on the data collected by your Galaxy Watch to deliver the best advice.

More AI Features on the Horizon

In addition to the confirmed upgrades, we can expect One UI 7 Watch to introduce even more Galaxy AI tools. Features like the “Now Brief” and possibly a Watch-specific “Now Bar” are expected to make their way to the Watch 8. These tools aim to provide contextual information at a glance—right on your watch face—without the need to swipe through multiple tiles.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get Excited?

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is shaping up to be a major leap forward for smartwatches. With its fresh design, bigger battery, advanced AI integration, and health-focused features, it’s clear that Samsung is pushing to stay at the top of the wearable game.

While we may not see the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 just yet, the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic alone are poised to make a big impact. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious user, or just someone looking for a beautifully designed smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will likely have something to offer.

Stay tuned as we continue to track new updates, leaks, and official announcements. Samsung’s Unpacked event this July is sure to deliver plenty of surprises—and we’ll be here to cover them all.