Samsung Set to Launch Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra on July 9
Samsung is gearing up for its next big reveal at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on July 9, where it is expected to unveil the much-anticipated Galaxy Watch 8 Series. Ahead of the official announcement, renders of the upcoming smartwatches have surfaced online, courtesy of noted tipster Evan Blass (@evleaks), giving us a comprehensive look at what to expect from Samsung’s next-generation wearable lineup.
Key Highlights: Galaxy Watch 8 Series Leaked
- New squircle design across all models
- Return of the Galaxy Watch Classic with rotating bezel
- Introduction of customizable Quick Button
- Powered by Exynos W1000 chip
- Runs Wear OS 6 with Material You 3 design
Let’s take a detailed look at each model and the new design direction Samsung is taking this year.
1. Galaxy Watch 8: Sleek and Simplified
The base variant, simply called the Galaxy Watch 8, features a squircle-shaped design—a blend of square and circle—housing a circular screen within a square dial frame. This marks a significant departure from the more traditional circular dials of past Galaxy Watch models.
Design Details:
- Flat glass front
- Speaker grille on the left side
- Two physical buttons on the right
While the exterior seems refined and futuristic, there are no major design overhauls compared to the Galaxy Watch 6, except the new squircle aesthetic. This model is likely targeted toward users looking for a minimal, versatile smartwatch without extra frills.
2. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Rotating Bezel Makes a Comeback
Samsung seems to be bringing back fan-favourite features with the return of the Galaxy Watch Classic. Absent from the Galaxy Watch 7 lineup, the Classic variant is making a strong comeback in 2025, reimagined with the same squircle-shaped body.
Key Design Features:
- Rotating bezel for traditional watch lovers
- Three physical buttons, including one with an orange accent
- Larger body, possibly targeting premium users
The third button is speculated to be a Quick Button, inspired by the one introduced in the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024). It may offer customizable shortcuts for functions like launching workouts, activating sirens, or accessing outdoor tools quickly.
The rotating bezel adds a classic timepiece feel while retaining the modern features of a smartwatch—a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
3. Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): Rugged and Feature-Packed
The renders also show the upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra, continuing the legacy of Samsung’s high-end wearable introduced in 2024. While the name is not confirmed, the visual design strongly suggests it is the successor to the original Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Notable Elements:
- Fixed bezel with blue and orange accents
- Rugged casing design for durability
- Enhanced for outdoor and fitness use
Expect the Galaxy Watch Ultra to offer premium features, higher durability, and a focus on performance and adventure, aligning it against competitors like Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin smartwatches.
What’s New Under the Hood?
All three models—Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra—are expected to be powered by the new Exynos W1000 chipset, Samsung’s latest proprietary processor tailored for wearables. The improved chipset is likely to boost performance, battery efficiency, and AI integration.
Software:
The watches are also tipped to run on Wear OS 6, layered with Google’s Material You 3 (Expressive Design), promising:
- More fluid animations
- Enhanced widget interactions
- Customizable themes and colours
- Better integration with Samsung Health, Google Assistant, and third-party apps
Quick Button: A Game Changer?
The highlight across the Classic and Ultra models is the rumored Quick Button, which could allow users to:
- Start a workout or activity with one tap
- Trigger emergency sirens
- Launch frequently used apps
- Toggle modes like Theater Mode, Sleep Mode, or Water Lock
This button is expected to be user-customizable, bringing greater utility and a new level of interaction flexibility.
Expected Specifications (Rumoured)
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 8 | Galaxy Watch 8 Classic | Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Squircle | Squircle + Rotating Bezel | Rugged, Squircle |
| Buttons | 2 | 3 (incl. Quick Button) | 3 (incl. Quick Button) |
| Chipset | Exynos W1000 | Exynos W1000 | Exynos W1000 |
| OS | Wear OS 6 | Wear OS 6 | Wear OS 6 |
| Target Audience | General users | Style-conscious users | Outdoor enthusiasts |
Launch Date and Availability
Samsung has officially confirmed that the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event will take place on July 9, where the company is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 Series, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and possibly new earbuds.
Pre-orders are likely to begin the same day or shortly after, with global availability expected by the end of July 2025.
Conclusion: What to Expect from Galaxy Watch 8 Series
Samsung is clearly revamping its smartwatch portfolio with the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, focusing on fresh aesthetics, functionality enhancements, and a better integration of software and hardware.
With the squircle design, return of the rotating bezel, and the new Quick Button, Samsung is catering to a wide range of smartwatch users—from casual wearers to fitness buffs and tech enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for full specs, pricing, and feature confirmation during the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on July 9.
