Our best smartwatch guide is one we should update regularly, and it seems likely that Samsung will launch another contender for the list in the not-too-distant future – we expect the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 to arrive sometime during 2025.
It will be the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 starting in 2024 and will continue Samsung’s tradition of releasing a new smartwatch (or two) every year. The idea is that it could also be joined by one or two more wearable devices come launch day.
There’s nothing official yet, but here we’ve rounded up all the Galaxy Watch 8 leaks and rumors that have reached us so far – there’s information on everything from the release date to design changes – and we’ll update this guide. on a regular basis too.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The Galaxy Watch 2025
- When does it come out? Probably July 2025
- How much will it cost? Probably at least $299 / £289 / AU$549
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: release date and price predictions
- Expect a launch in July 2025
- The previous model started at $299 / £289 / AU$549
There have been no specific rumors about when the Galaxy Watch 8 will appear or how much it might cost, but we can make some educated guesses by looking at the immediate predecessor of this upcoming wearable – check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for full information. details.
The Galaxy Watch 7 came out on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6, as you may remember, and there’s no reason to think Samsung will stray too far. of the same calendar in 2025. In other words, we can expect the Galaxy Watch 8 to appear around July 2025.
We’ve already seen the big unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, so it would make sense for an updated lineup of foldable devices to be introduced mid-year, with a new smartwatch or two as well. It is likely that they will also give us the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same time.
As for price, we again have to rely on what we know about the existing model: the Galaxy Watch 7 starts at $299 / £289 / AU$549 for the 40mm version, and the larger 44mm and LTE models they cost more. There’s no word on whether the Galaxy Watch 8 will be more or less expensive, but that gives you an idea of the overall price.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: leaks and rumors
- The Classic model could return
- Gesture support may be coming
It’s fair to say that there hasn’t been a flood of Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 leaks so far; To be honest, it’s been more of a trickle. That should change, however, as we get closer to the expected release date for the wearable, and we heard a lot about the Galaxy Watch 7 before it finally came to light.
One rumor that has emerged is that we could see the return of the Classic model. In 2024, we got the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, but in 2023 Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic; Our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic explains all the key features of the watch.
The Classic model is usually more expensive and larger, with a rotating bezel to help with navigation through controls and menus. If it returns in 2025, it could mean we’ll have three Samsung smartwatches this year, although the leak about its return doesn’t offer many details.
Samsung has reportedly been working on MicroLED smartwatch display technology, so this is also a possible future update to the Galaxy Watch line. Additionally, Samsung is reported to return to the square design in the future.
We’ve also seen Samsung patents pointing to smartwatch gestures for controlling TVs and an improved strap mechanism, but as the patents are patents, there’s no guarantee we’ll ever see these features and it’s unlikely they’ll be ready for the Galaxy Watch 7. We’ll keep our ears open and let you know if we hear more.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: what we want to see
As good as the Galaxy Watch 7 is, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to wearables. Based on our experiences with the Galaxy Watch 7 and what we’ve seen recently on other smartwatches, here’s what we expect from the Galaxy Watch 8.
1. The return of the rotating bezel
Let’s start with the novelty that we want and that has been rumored: the return of the Classic model with rotating bezel. We hope Samsung can find room for a standard, Classic and Ultra model this year, as a physical bezel makes a big difference when it comes to controlling what’s on the screen, saving a lot of imprecise finger tapping.
2. Improved battery life
Yes, it is the constant request of all smart watch owners, because it represents a notable improvement in daily use. When a watch like the Garmin Instinct 3 offers up to 24 days of battery life – and that’s the model with the AMOLED display, by the way – the 24 hours or so you get from the Galaxy Watch 7 seems well below average.
3. A renewed look
If you look back at the history of previous Galaxy Watches, you’ll see that there hasn’t been much variation when it comes to design, and this time we hope that changes. We’re not so sure how it would innovate on the standard smartwatch design, but we think the team at Samsung could come up with something.
4. Some added AI, as long as it is useful
Samsung has been betting heavily on AI in recent months, and the way AI can summarize and simplify life should make it perfect for increasing the convenience of wearable devices, but Samsung needs to ensure that all AI functions (such as assistant support or notification summaries) are helpful. and accurate, rather than simply being there for the sake of more AI.
5. Broader support for Android
We understand why Samsung wants to develop a seamless experience for Galaxy phone owners with the Galaxy Watch, but other Android users miss out on certain features and tricks. Making the Galaxy Watch 8 more compatible with the Fitbit app and Android in general would give the wearable additional appeal outside of Samsung’s ecosystem.
