Emir BardakçıSamsung is working on a drastic new move for its future smartwatch series. According to recent findings within the One UI 8 Watch firmware, both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will receive major design improvements. The biggest change is a move away from a traditional round shape towards a more square circular shape—better known as a squircle. The look is already present on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and it seems Samsung is looking forward to applying it throughout its entire high-end watch series. As explained within our Galaxy Watch Ultra review, the shape, aside from bringing a visual flair, gives the device a more premium and robust look.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could potentially receive a third button
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will also bring with it a third hardware key on the right side similar to that of the Watch Ultra. Located between the current home/power and back keys, the Quick Button is set to allow users to initiate workouts, open apps, or receive other commands. In contrast with the Ultra, however, there won’t be any orange accents for the button, maintaining a more traditional look for the Classic.
The firmware further teases a more powerful vibration motor and novel haptic patterns, which will provide better vibration feedback for notifications and alerts. Although a rotating bezel was nowhere in sight on leaked screens, insiders assure us that Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will bring back the physical rotation bezel, a fan favorite. This will provide visual appeal and control functionality.
Mission Timeline and Expectations
Samsung will officially introduce the Galaxy Watch 8 series with its future foldable phones in Q3 2025. As expected, Samsung is again aiming for a seamless experience by tweaking both software and hardware. Squircle shape and new button layout imply that Samsung is aiming to merge smart and luxury watches, yet provide world-class fitness and productivity features.
Source: Sammobile
