Samsung Nears Completion of One UI 8 Watch Public Beta Testing

Launching a next-generation operating system is a complex process that requires meticulous attention to both the user interface and back-end coding. It demands extensive time and resources, along with numerous internal test builds to ensure a smooth experience across a range of supported devices. The excitement grows when updates begin to surface on public platforms, suggesting that a tangible release is imminent. Currently, Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch software is in this exciting phase.

Although internal beta builds often leak, they don’t significantly inform existing Samsung wearable owners. Recently, a community forum page for the public beta program briefly appeared, hinting that the updated lightweight operating system could be available within days. This new version, based on Wear OS 6, represents the first major software update for Samsung’s wearables since late 2024. Samsung recently announced the public beta, highlighting several new health features but without a specific launch date.

Almost immediately following this announcement, a new subcategory titled “Watch” popped up on the One UI Beta page, indicating it was a fresh addition due to different visuals compared to the ongoing One UI 6 Watch beta forum. The beta program will be available in the US and Korea, compatible with Galaxy Watch 5 models and later. Regrettably, owners of Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are likely to miss out on this update, as it appears they may not receive any significant software upgrades going forward. The expected late-August release of One UI 8 Watch comes just outside the four-year update window for the 2021 models.

Participants in the Korean Samsung Community Forum observed that new One UI 6 Watch software emerged shortly after the forum page’s brief appearance. While it remains uncertain if this subcategory was added intentionally or not, once the public beta launches, users can expect to find it prominently featured in the Samsung Members app, ensuring that compatible Galaxy Watch owners will be aware of the availability.