Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 is generating excitement with a fresh design twist that seems to borrow cues from its biggest rival, the Apple Watch. After promising an “innovative” redesign, Samsung is finally giving us a peek at what the new wearables might look like thanks to leaked firmware animations unearthed by Android Authority.
These early glimpses, pulled from One UI 8 Watch code, hint at an intriguing blend of Samsung’s iconic round heritage and the sharper, boxier aesthetics popularized by Apple. If you were hoping for a completely circular timepiece, prepare for a surprise—and maybe a little nostalgia for the classic Galaxy Watch shape.
A Bold Blend: Where Square Meets Circle
At first glance, the Galaxy Watch 8 appears more squared off than its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 7. The new form factor looks like a mashup of a circle and a square, delivering straight edges on the sides while retaining softly curved corners.
This design evolution seems aimed at offering a modern, streamlined silhouette without totally abandoning Samsung’s signature look. The body still feels round enough to nod at past Galaxy Watch models, but the flatter profile and sharper sides whisper “Apple Watch” more than ever.
The “Squircle” Explained
The term “squircle” has gained popularity in design circles as a portmanteau of “square” and “circle,” and it’s exactly what we’re seeing on the Galaxy Watch 8. Think of a circle that’s been gently nudged toward straight lines—sides that sit flat, corners that still smile, and an overall shape that bridges two geometric worlds.
Android Authority’s firmware dive revealed animated UI transitions mapped to this squircle frame, suggesting Samsung intends to make full use of the new footprint. Expect watch faces, notifications, and controls to fill out the space in ways that feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
Standard vs. Classic: More Than Just a Name
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup now officially splits into two: the regular Galaxy Watch 8 (code-named “fresh8”) and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (“wise8”). On the surface, the standard model will hand you sleek minimalism, while the Classic aims for a more premium vibe—yet both share that bold squircle exterior.
Marketing and product strategy aside, this dual approach lets Samsung cater to diverse tastes. The baseline Watch 8 promises everyday comfort and straightforward features. Meanwhile, the Classic ups the ante with extras that target enthusiasts and power users who appreciate tactile controls.
Buttons, Rings, and Rotating Bezels
One signature difference between the two will be their physical controls. Both variants retain a pair of side buttons for quick access to apps and shortcuts, but the Classic adds a third “action” button reminiscent of the one found on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra.
More notably, the Classic is rumored to bring back a rotating bezel—an interface feature beloved by Galaxy Watch fans. You’ll be able to scroll through menus and widgets by spinning the frame around the display, offering a satisfying mechanical feel that touchscreen-only smartwatches can’t match.
What’s Next and Final Thoughts
With these firmware leaks fueling our imagination, the big question is: when and how will Samsung unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup? The tech giant typically launches its new wearables alongside the next Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, so keep your eyes on the early fall window.
Behind the scenes, Samsung is also polishing One UI 8 Watch for the new models, promising smoother animations, updated health tracking features, and a few surprises that haven’t hit the rumors circuit yet. Whether you lean toward a sporty, streamlined design or crave the tactile perks of a rotating bezel, the Galaxy Watch 8 range is shaping up to offer something for everyone.
