Samsung introduced the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic expanding its smartwatch lineup with a thinner design, advanced health-tracking capabilities, and new AI-driven features. The launch also coincided with the debut of the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Galaxy Watch8 series builds on the cushion design first introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, delivering what Samsung calls its most comfortable Galaxy Watch to date. The redesign makes the watch 11% thinner and introduces a Dynamic Lug system that moves more naturally with the wrist for greater comfort and stability. Displays are now up to 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, while a dual-frequency GPS and a new 3nm processor enhance performance and efficiency.
Samsung highlighted health tracking as the centerpiece of the update. The Galaxy Watch8 integrates the company’s BioActive Sensor to deliver deeper insights across sleep, stress, and activity monitoring. New features include Bedtime Guidance, which suggests optimal sleep schedules, and Vascular Load, which measures stress on the vascular system during sleep. For the first time, a smartwatch now offers an Antioxidant Index, measuring carotenoid levels in five seconds to guide lifestyle decisions.
Fitness tracking has also been expanded with a Running Coach that assesses fitness on a scale of 1 to 10 and creates customized training plans. Users can gamify workouts with friends through the Together feature, now updated to support running challenges. Stress management tools include High Stress Alerts, breathing guidance, and a Mindfulness Tracker. An AI-powered Energy Score combines mental and physical metrics into a daily snapshot of overall energy levels.
The watches are the first to ship with Wear OS 6 and Google’s Gemini AI assistant. Users can issue natural voice commands for apps such as Samsung Health, Calendar, and Reminder, or start workouts hands-free. A redesigned interface, One UI 8 Watch, introduces Multi-Info Tiles for at-a-glance updates and a new Now Bar for quick access to key tasks.
Pre-orders for Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra began July 9, with general availability set for July 25. The Galaxy Watch8 starts at $349.99 for the Bluetooth model and $399.99 for LTE. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, featuring a rotating bezel and larger 46mm case, starts at $499.99 for Bluetooth and $549.99 for LTE. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, built for outdoor performance and available in four titanium finishes including a new Titanium Blue, starts at $649.99 with 64GB of storage and extended battery life.
Samsung is offering $50 off Galaxy Watch8 or Watch8 Classic pre-orders through Samsung.com, along with enhanced trade-in credits of up to $200 for the Galaxy Watch8, $250 for the Classic, and $250 for the Ultra.
The company also unveiled the Galaxy Ring, a smaller health-focused wearable available in three titanium finishes and offering up to seven days of battery life. Prices for the Galaxy Ring were not disclosed.