The Samsung Galaxy Watch series is one of the most popular smartwatch series in the world. Obviously, it doesn't take the crown in a world where the Apple Watch exists, but for Android-oriented options, it's definitely the forerunner. Samsung has been making smartwatches since 2013, so it's well-established in the market.
Last year, Samsung shook things up for the first time in a long time, bringing a premium Galaxy Watch Ultra model, which adopted an entirely new design. Instead of the usual circular watch face, it brought a “squircle” design. Some people like it, some don't, but it seems Samsung does, because the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup will all have the same look.
Samsung Seems Set to Bring the Squircle to Its Whole Smartwatch Series
I don't know where I stand on it, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra's squircle shape is certainly unique in the context of the Samsung smartwatch portfolio. For some, the circles were starting to get boring, but for others, a circle is the traditional shape of a watch, and so, it fits a smartwatch best. Others say that the new shape brings it too close in appearance to Apple's entries. There are all sorts of opinions flying around.
Regardless, what matters the most at the end of the day is how much Samsung likes the design, and the answer seems to be a lot, because the South Korean OEM is about to bring the squircle shape to all of its smartwatches releasing this year, and this information comes courtesy of Android Authority. That means that the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could abandon the circular design for good.
Interestingly, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra came in a single large size, it seems that if Samsung brings it to its vanilla models, as always, they'll be available in multiple sizes.
| Model | Available Case Sizes |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | 47mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | 40mm, 44mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | 43mm, 47mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | 40mm, 44mm |
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Doesn't Seem to Be on the Horizon
The folks at Android Authority found the graphics relating to the upcoming Samsung smartwatches in the firmware for One UI 8. While there was a mention of the Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra, there was no mention of the Watch Ultra 2.
That doesn't mean that it is never going to come, but it does point to the fact that it almost certainly isn't coming with the releases expected in July.
The Galaxy Watch Classic's Return Could Bring an Exclusive Feature
When the Galaxy Watch Classic line didn't show up last year, some people were dismayed. The phones are revered for their rotating bezels, which make navigation easier. While “Classic” is making a return this year, it's not certain if it will bring the bezels. However, there is one thing that seems set to come: the Quick Button. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has one, and now it looks like Samsung will bring it to another model in its lineup.
There are other features that we're expecting to come on the new models, especially thanks to One UI 8 Watch, and they include:
- New charging animation
- Shortcuts app
- Battery protection feature
- Now Bar
- Antioxidant Index
