The upcoming One UI 8 Watch update that Samsung will distribute to the Galaxy Watch will be a hefty update. Among other things, Gemini has been worked on and the smartwatches will also get new health features.
One UI 8 Watch update gets big
Samsung is working on a new update for its smartwatches: One UI 8 Watch. Although the official launch is yet to happen, hints have already surfaced about what users can expect. Based on leaked software information and analysis of APK files, a number of interesting additions are revealed, including new health features and integration with Google Gemini.
One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of Gemini, Google's digital assistant. Instead of Google Assistant, Samsung seems to be opting for Gemini as the default assistant on the Galaxy Watch. The change was noted by Twitter user @DevOfIpos, who analysed firmware from the update. Gemini appears to work similarly to Assistant in many ways, but also offers some new features. For instance, users will soon be able to move appointments or summarise emails via voice commands, thanks to so-called 'Gemini actions'.
Innovations are also coming on the health front. Samsung is working on a feature within Samsung Health called the "Antioxidant Index". This feature was briefly announced earlier this year and uses the existing health sensor on the Galaxy Watch. The index focuses on measuring beta-carotene levels in the body, with the aim of helping users improve their diet. A disclaimer reports that this feature is not intended as a medical device. The functioning of the feature can be seen in the picture below.
New hints further talk about the presence of the Now Bar, which we know from the Galaxy S25 series and other Galaxy's running on Android 15. Clues also point to new shortcuts you can create as a user, a shuffle option for watchfaces and an option to choose battery protection. This allows charging to be stopped automatically when a certain level is reached.
Visually, things are also changing. The new One UI 8 Watch update brings with it a series of colourful icons for Samsung apps on the watch. These match the style of One UI 7, which was previously introduced on phones. The visual revamp should make the user experience more consistent and recognisable.
Samsung is expected to release the One UI 8 Watch update in conjunction with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8 series. Presumably this will happen at the same time as the launch of Samsung's new foldable smartphones, sometime in the summer.'
