Our best smartwatches guide is one we have to update regularly, and it looks like 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 from 2024, and it will keep Samsung’s tradition of launching a new smartwatch (or two) every year. The idea is that it might also be joined by another wearable or two as launch day approaches.
Nothing’s official yet, but here we’ve rounded up all the Galaxy Watch 8 leaks and rumors that have come our way so far: There’s information here on everything from a release date to design changes, and we’ll update this guide regularly as well.
Cut to the leg
- What is it? 2025 Galaxy Watch
- When is it out? Probably July 2025
- How much will it cost? Probably at least $299 / £289 / AU$549
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: release date predictions and prices
- Expect a July 2025 release
- The previous model started at $299 / £289 / AU$549
There haven’t been any specific rumors about when the Galaxy Watch 8 will arrive or how much it might cost, but we can make some educated guesses by looking at this upcoming wearable’s immediate predecessor: check out our comprehensive Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review for the full details.
The Galaxy Watch 7 broke cover on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 — along with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6, you may recall — and there’s no reason to think Samsung will stray too far from that schedule in 2025. In other words, we can expect the Galaxy Watch 8 to appear around July 2025.
We’ve already seen the big reveal of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, so it would make sense to introduce an updated line of foldable devices around the middle of the year – also with a new smartwatch or two in tow. It’s likely that we’ll also be treated to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same time.
As for pricing, we’ll 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 – with the larger 44mm and LTE models costing more . There has been no word on whether the Galaxy Watch 8 will be more or less expensive, but it gives you an idea of the general price.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: leaks and rumors
- The Classic model could return
- Motion support can be inbound
It’s fair to say there hasn’t been a flood of Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 leaks so far – it’s been more like a trickle, to be honest. However, that should change as we get closer to the expected release date of the wearable, and we heard a lot about the Galaxy Watch 7 before it finally broke the cover.
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 watch’s key features.
The Classic model has typically been more expensive and larger, with a rotating bezel to help navigate controls and menus. If it returns in 2025, it could mean we get three smartwatches from Samsung this year – although the leak about it making a comeback doesn’t offer much in the way of details.
Samsung has reportedly been working on MicroLED smartwatch display technology, so this is also a potential future upgrade in the Galaxy Watch line. Likewise, Samsung is reportedly going back 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 patents being patents, there’s no guarantee we’ll ever see these features, and it’s unlikely that they’re ready for the Galaxy Watch 7. We’ll keep our ears to the ground 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 experience with the Galaxy Watch 7 and what we’ve seen from other smartwatches recently, here’s what we’re hoping for from the Galaxy Watch 8.
1. Return of the rotating frame
Let’s start with the new feature we want, which has been rumored: the return of the Classic model with the rotating frame. We hope Samsung can find room for a Standard, Classic and Ultra model this year, as a physical bezel makes such a difference when it comes to controlling what’s on the screen – and saves a lot of right imprecise finger jabbing.
2. Improved battery life
Yes, it is the perennial request of all smartwatch owners because it makes a noticeable improvement in daily use. When a watch like the Garmin Instinct 3 offers up to 24 days of battery life – and it’s the model with the AMOLED screen, by the way – the roughly 24 hours you get from the Galaxy Watch 7 feels like it’s way below par.
3. A renewed look
If you look back through the history of Galaxy watches, you’ll see that there hasn’t been too much in the way of variety when it comes to design, and this time we hope that changes. We’re less sure how you’d innovate on the standard smartwatch design – but we think Samsung’s team could come up with something.
4. Some added AI – as long as it’s useful
Samsung has been pushing AI hard in recent months, and the way AI can summarize and simplify life should make it perfect for increasing the convenience of wearables — but Samsung needs to make sure all AI features (like assistant support or notification overviews) are useful and precisely, rather than just there for the sake of more AI.
5. Wider Android support
We understand why Samsung wants to develop a seamless experience for Galaxy phone owners with the Galaxy Watch, but other Android users are missing out on certain features and tricks. Making the Galaxy Watch 8 more compatible with the Fitbit app and Android more generally would give the wearable extra appeal outside of the Samsung ecosystem.
