Samsung is gearing up to launch a significant new update for its popular Galaxy Watch, and details about the features are beginning to emerge. Recent leaks have provided insights into the anticipated update, including a version of the “Now Bar” and other enhancements that are sure to excite users. Earlier this week, leaked APKs from a One UI 8 Watch build surfaced online, prompting Android Authority to thoroughly investigate these files for information on new features.
Among the most intriguing features uncovered is the inclusion of the “Now Bar”, which initially made its debut in One UI 7. According to the leaked strings, this functionality is likely to be integrated into watch faces in the upcoming Galaxy Watch update, potentially serving as a complication. This feature bears similarities to Google’s At a Glance complication for Wear OS, allowing users to access relevant information quickly.
The Now Bar on the Galaxy Watch is expected to support several useful functions, such as Contextual Suggestions, Maps, Media Controls, Now Brief, and even real-time sports scores powered by Google. Users will be able to interact with the Now Bar in several ways, including the ability to double pinch the watch face to open it and manage notifications or tiles when the bar is empty.
Another exciting addition to the Galaxy Watch is a new “Shortcuts” app or widget. This feature will allow users to create a customizable group of app shortcuts that can be displayed on tiles. The leaked images correlate with previously discovered icons, indicating that the tiles will support sizes of 2×1 or 2×2, making it easy for users to access their favorite apps quickly.
To keep the user experience fresh, a new “shuffle” option for watch faces is also on the horizon. This feature will allow users to randomly select from their favorite watch faces, ensuring that their Galaxy Watch appearance can change daily. The strings suggest that the shuffle option will recommend watch faces based on personal favorites, providing a unique touch to each day.
Additionally, the update is rumored to include a feature akin to the Pixel’s “Adaptive Charging”. Known as “Battery Protection”, this functionality will help manage charging by stopping when the battery reaches a specific level and resuming once it drops below a certain threshold. Users may have the ability to customize these values, although confirmation is still pending.
Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch update is anticipated to debut in July, likely coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8. As the release date approaches, more details will undoubtedly come to light, further building excitement around these new functionalities.
Stay tuned for more updates on Samsung’s innovations, including the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge, which promises an “all-day battery”, and the expected release of the first Android 16 beta this month.
