Fresh software, smoother performance—but an outdated security patch raises eyebrows.
First Taste of One UI 8 Watch
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 have started receiving their first One UI 8 Watch-based OTA updates. While the software is brand new, the security situation tells a different story—the patch level is still stuck on May 1, 2025.
This leaves some users wondering: is Samsung’s latest wearable experience fully protected against current threats?
Update Details
- Galaxy Watch 8 & Classic: Receiving AYG4 firmware.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024: Receiving BYG4 firmware.
- Size: Roughly 160 MB for all eligible models.
- Changelog: Mentions only “system stability improvements” without specifics.
The updates are rolling out in South Korea first and will gradually expand to more regions.
What’s New Under the Hood
While Samsung hasn’t detailed the changes, this being the first OTA based on One UI 8 Watch means:
- Better Performance: Faster navigation and smoother UI transitions.
- Refined Health Tracking: More consistent heart rate, sleep, and workout monitoring.
- Improved Reliability: Fewer hiccups in everyday use, especially in app responsiveness.
These watches already shipped with One UI 8 Watch out of the box, but this update fine-tunes the initial launch experience.
Who’s Still Waiting
Interestingly, the Galaxy Watch 7 remains without the stable One UI 8 Watch update.
- Ultra Advantage: The Watch Ultra 2024 now updates alongside the 2025 refresh and Watch 8 series.
- 7 Series Delay: Beta testing and stability checks may be holding back the rollout.
This split means Ultra and Watch 8 owners get early access to Samsung’s latest software perks, while Watch 7 users will have to wait a bit longer.
Availability & Installation
Samsung began open sales for the new watches on July 25, 2025, so both fresh buyers and long-time Ultra owners can grab the OTA now.
- To Update: Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your paired phone and check for the latest software.
The Bottom Line
The One UI 8 Watch debut for Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra brings smoother performance and better health tracking—but ships with a three-month-old security patch. It’s a welcome refinement, but one that leaves the question: When will Samsung align software innovation with top-tier security?
