For many of us, our smartwatches are more than just gadgets; they’re indispensable companions, tracking our fitness, keeping us connected, and making life a little smoother. So, when a device that’s been a staple for years receives a significant upgrade, it’s cause for celebration. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic owners, get ready – because your devices are receiving a substantial shot in the arm!

In breaking news that will undoubtedly delight a passionate user base, Samsung has officially begun rolling out the much-anticipated One UI 8 Watch update for its pioneering Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic models. This isn’t just any minor patch; it’s being hailed as the last major software update for these foundational Wear OS smartwatches, marking a significant commitment from Samsung to its older hardware.

The Galaxy Watch 4 Gets One UI 8 Watch Update: What You Need to Know About the Rollout

The journey for this exciting update kicked off earlier today in South Korea, according to reports from SamMobile, which precisely dated this news to December 16th, 2025. While South Korean users are the first to experience the enhanced functionalities, the good news is that the update is expected to progressively reach more markets across the globe in the coming days and weeks. This phased approach is typical for major firmware releases, ensuring stability as it expands worldwide.

For those eager to check if the update has arrived on their device, specific firmware versions are being pushed: R870XXU1JYK4 for the Galaxy Watch 4 (Wi-Fi-only) and R880XXU1JYK4 for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (Wi-Fi-only). Users should brace themselves for a substantial download, as the update size is reported to be over 1GB. It’s worth noting that, as of now, information regarding the availability for cellular variants of these smartwatches is not yet clear. Always ensure your smartwatch has at least 50% battery charge before initiating any major software installation.

How to Update Your Galaxy Watch 4 to One UI 8 Watch

Getting your hands on this new software is straightforward. Simply open the Galaxy Wearable app on your paired Android smartphone, navigate to Watch settings, then select Watch software update. From there, tap Download and install. Once the download is complete, hit the Install now button, and your smartwatch will handle the rest, restarting after a few minutes to complete the process. It’s a simple path to a vastly improved user experience.

Exploring the New Features of One UI 8 Watch for the Galaxy Watch 4

The 2021 Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic were groundbreaking for Samsung, being their inaugural Wear OS-based smartwatches. They initially launched with Wear OS 4-based One UI 5 Watch software and have since received a remarkable four major software updates, including Wear OS 5 and Wear OS 6. This latest iteration, One UI 8 Watch, brings a host of fresh capabilities and design enhancements that truly elevate the user experience:

• Major UI Redesign: Expect a refreshed look and feel across the interface.
• Enhanced Tiles Pages: These are now more versatile, allowing for multiple widgets to be populated, giving you more information at a glance.
• New Watch Faces and Complications: Personalize your smartwatch even further with a broader selection of styles and data displays.
• Now Bar Integration: A handy new feature that displays ongoing activities like music playback or active workouts, ensuring you’re always in sync with what’s happening.
• More Double Pinch Gestures: Increased accessibility and intuitive navigation with additional gesture controls.
• New Battery Charging Effects: A subtle yet pleasant visual update to how your smartwatch indicates charging.
• Improved Notifications View: Notifications are now smarter with a stacked view, making it easier to manage incoming alerts.
• Simplified Watch Face Discovery: Finding your next favorite watch face is now more intuitive and faster.
• Advanced Samsung Health Features: The health tracking suite receives new capabilities, reinforcing the Watch 4’s role as a powerful fitness companion.
• Revamped App Drawer: Choose between a clean list view with alphabetical sorting or a new, visually appealing grid-based layout for your apps.

This comprehensive upgrade ensures that even as an older model, the Galaxy Watch 4 remains highly competitive and functional, offering a richer, more efficient interaction for its users.

A Testament to Longevity and Value

The arrival of the One UI 8 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4 is more than just a software release; it’s a strong statement from Samsung. It underscores their commitment to providing long-term software support and value for their devices, extending the lifespan and enhancing the utility of hardware released years ago. For owners, this means their beloved smartwatches are not just keeping up but are significantly improved with modern features and a fresh interface, ensuring they continue to be excellent companions for years to come. This commitment to enduring quality truly makes the Galaxy Watch 4 a smartwatch worth holding onto.