For many smartwatch enthusiasts, the Galaxy Watch 4 series holds a special place. As Samsung’s pioneering Wear OS-based smartwatches, they marked a significant shift in the company’s wearable strategy. Now, owners of these beloved devices are in for a treat: the much-anticipated One UI 8 Watch update has begun its rollout, promising a refreshed and enhanced user experience. This isn’t just another incremental patch; according to reports, this is the final major software update for these classic wearables, making it all the more significant.
The journey for the original Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has been impressive. Launched in mid-2021 with Wear OS 4-based One UI 5 Watch software, they’ve since received four substantial software updates, including Wear OS 5 and Wear OS 6. This latest update, One UI 8 Watch, is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to supporting its older hardware, ensuring users continue to get value and functionality from their devices for years to come.
The Galaxy Watch 4 Gets One UI 8 Watch Update: What You Need to Know About the Rollout
The rollout of this exciting update commenced earlier today, December 15th, 2025, in Samsung’s home market of South Korea. For those outside South Korea, fret not; the update is expected to reach more markets globally in the coming days and weeks. This phased approach is typical for major software releases, allowing Samsung to monitor stability before wider distribution.
Owners of the Wi-Fi-only models should look for firmware version R870XXU1JYK4 for the standard Galaxy Watch 4 and R880XXU1JYK4 for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Be prepared for a substantial download, as the update size is reported to be over 1GB. It’s worth noting that information regarding the cellular variants of these smartwatches is not yet clear, so owners of those models may need to wait slightly longer or keep an eye out for specific announcements.
How to Get Your One UI 8 Watch Update
If you’re an eager owner residing in South Korea, or once the update reaches your region, checking for it is straightforward. Simply open the Galaxy Wearable app on your paired Android phone. From there, navigate to Watch settings, then select Watch software update, and finally tap Download and install. Once the download is complete, hit the Install now button to begin the installation process. A quick tip from the experts: ensure your smartwatch has at least a 50% battery charge before you begin the installation to avoid any interruptions.
Unpacking the New Features: What One UI 8 Watch Brings
So, what exactly does the One UI 8 Watch update bring to the table for your Galaxy Watch 4? A lot, as it turns out. Users will immediately notice a major UI redesign, making navigation more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. A standout feature is the introduction of Tiles pages, allowing for greater customization with multiple widgets that can be populated to your preference. Expect to see fresh watch faces and complications, offering new ways to personalize your wrist.
Functionality also sees significant improvements. The new ‘Now Bar’ is a brilliant addition, designed to display ongoing activities like music playback or workouts, keeping essential information just a glance away. The update also brings more Double Pinch gestures, enhancing interaction and accessibility. Even small details, like new battery charging effects, contribute to a more polished user experience.
Notifications are getting a facelift too, with an improved stacked notifications view for better organization. Finding your favorite watch faces will also become easier with newer, more streamlined discovery methods. Health and fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Samsung Health brings a suite of new features, though specific details on these will require a deeper dive into the changelog. Finally, the app drawer has been revamped, now offering both a list view with alphabetical sorting and a fresh grid-based layout for better app management.
A Renewed Experience for Your Galaxy Watch 4
The arrival of the One UI 8 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4 series is fantastic news for users. It demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the user experience, even for devices a few years old. With a major UI redesign and a host of new features ranging from improved gestures to better health tracking and notification management, your Galaxy Watch 4 gets a fresh lease on life. It’s a compelling update that ensures these inaugural Wear OS smartwatches remain highly capable and enjoyable devices for their users.
Image Credit: SamMobile
