Samsung's back-and-forth Galaxy Watch release schedule is gearing up to reintroduce the much-anticipated Galaxy Watch 8 Classic later this year. This upcoming smartwatch is expected to feature the company's iconic rotating bezel, a hallmark of the Galaxy Watch series that enhances user experience by allowing intuitive navigation through software.
Historically, the Galaxy Watch series was designed around the concept of a rotating bezel, which provided a unique way to control various functions. However, this feature began to fade away with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021. Its successor, the Galaxy Watch 5, completely eliminated the rotating bezel, leaving fans questioning the future of this beloved feature. The subsequent release of the Galaxy Watch 6 brought back the rotating bezel, indicating a potential shift in strategy to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Despite the return of the rotating bezel in the Galaxy Watch 6, the introduction of the Galaxy Watch Ultra raised questions about the overall future of the lineup. This new model diverged from the traditional naming structure, which led to speculation regarding the rotating bezel's fate. However, recent discoveries have provided some clarity: Samsung appears to be bringing back the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as evidenced by a listing at the Bluetooth SIG for model SM-L505U, explicitly labeled as the “Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.” This model number was first identified late last year, although it lacked a definitive name at that time.
While anticipation builds for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it remains unclear what new features this smartwatch will offer. The “Classic” designation has typically been associated with the rotating bezel, but its inclusion in this model is still uncertain. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, which features a physical bezel, did not include a rotating mechanism, leaving fans in suspense about what Samsung has planned.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic during its upcoming launch event in July. This event is highly anticipated not only for the new smartwatch but also for other exciting announcements, such as the potential release of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, which are rumored to be returning to NYC for their debut.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and other upcoming Samsung products as we approach the July launch event.
