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One UI 8 Watch brings three headline health features to eligible Samsung Galaxy Watches: Running Coach, Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index. The rollout is no longer merely upcoming: Samsung announced availability for Galaxy Watch Ultra on July 22, 2025, and said it would extend progressively to earlier models. Availability still depends on the watch, region and paired phone.
Which three health features does One UI 8 Watch add?
Running Coach
Running Coach offers coaching for outdoor runs. Samsung says it requires initial setup and at least 12 minutes of running with GPS enabled. Galaxy AI features require a compatible Galaxy phone, Samsung Health and a Samsung account. Check the feature’s availability on your watch and phone, since Samsung says functions can vary by market, model and paired smartphone. Samsung’s July 22, 2025 announcement sets out these requirements.
Vascular Load
Vascular Load tracks vascular load, but it needs an initial baseline: Samsung says to wear the watch while sleeping for three nights within a two-week period. Samsung explicitly says the feature is not intended for medical use. It should be treated as a wellness feature, not a diagnosis or substitute for medical advice. Samsung’s announcement describes the setup and limitation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAntioxidant Index
Antioxidant Index is another health feature included in the update. Samsung says it is not intended for medical use; the announcement does not establish that it diagnoses a condition or replaces professional medical advice. See Samsung’s feature announcement.
#1 Best Overall
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Graphite [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pVUmtVzHL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
- SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
- YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
- NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
- A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
When did the update arrive, and which watches get it?
Samsung announced One UI 8 Watch availability for Galaxy Watch Ultra on July 22, 2025, and said it would roll out progressively to earlier Galaxy Watch models. Android Central reported that the Watch 7 rollout began in South Korea on October 13, 2025; that report described the first availability as limited to South Korea at the time. It is not a complete current schedule for every model or country. Samsung’s announcement and Android Central’s dated Watch 7 report provide those rollout details.
Samsung does not give a complete model-by-model and country-by-country schedule in the cited announcement, and it cautions that availability and features may vary by market, watch model and paired smartphone. Check the software update screen on your watch and Samsung’s regional support information rather than assuming every eligible generation receives identical features. The announcement does not say existing owners need to buy a new watch to receive an update if their model is eligible.
Rank #2
- TRACK HEALTH PATTERNS¹ IN YOUR SLEEP WITH VITALS²: Stay aware of the subtle changes in your body with Vitals¹–it tracks health metrics while you sleep, catches shifts from your usual patterns, and provides tailored guidance based on the insights.²
- A PERSONALIZED COACH FOR YOUR FITNESS GOALS: Whether you're building endurance for a long trek or training to build muscle, Fitness Index³ delivers tailored guidance based on your fitness level goals. Finally, train smarter with your fitness watch.
- EVERYDAY AI ASSISTANCE, SIMPLIFIED: With the Galaxy Watch9, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁴—no wake phrase needed. This smart watch won’t slow you down.
- ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Instead of checking multiple metrics separately, track the single Heart Health Score⁵ based on sleep time, BMI, activity and vascular load to stay aware of your wellness.
- TRACK YOUR NIGHTS. OWN YOUR DAYS: Galaxy Watch9 gives you personalized recommendations and habit-building guidance with Advanced Sleep Coaching.⁶ Plus, Bedtime Guidance⁷ helps you find your optimal bedtime so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
What else changes in One UI 8 Watch?
Multi-Info Tiles and a more organized layout
Multi-Info Tiles bring items such as health metrics and weather into a customizable glanceable view. Samsung says tiles that were previously spread over more than 10 pages are now arranged across three default pages. Samsung Design also describes customizable tiles and notifications grouped by app that can be expanded. The page does not state a publication date for that layout description. Samsung’s announcement and Samsung Design’s One UI 8 Watch overview describe the interface changes.
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Now Bar and other reported Watch 7 changes
Now Bar keeps supported app activity accessible. Separately, Android Central’s report on the Galaxy Watch 7 rollout noted a new charging notification view, updated app icons, an improved notification interface and double-pinch gestures. Those details are reported for that rollout; they should not be taken as a promise that every model or region has the same feature set.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6' AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model - (Gray)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31JyN7HkB8L._SL160_.jpg)
- Vibrant 1.6” AMOLED Display – Large, high-res screen with smooth touch for easy navigation
- 5ATM & IP68 Water Resistance – Swim-ready and dust-resistant for active lifestyles
- Up to 14 Days Battery Life – Powerful 208mAh battery for long-lasting performance
- 101+ Workout Modes with Auto Detection – Automatically tracks common workouts for seamless fitness tracking. Advanced Health Tracking – Includes sleep coaching, SpO2, heart rate, and snore detection
- International Model No Warranty in the US. ONLY compatible with Android devices. Samsung Pay - Not Supported. NOT compatible with iPhone or iOS devices.
Rank #4
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 46mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Rotating Bezel, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy Score, Black [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Vc6CWcxAL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY GALAXY WATCH8 CLASSIC: Timeless design.* New lug system for easy band detachment & replacement.* Advanced health & sleep tracking features for total body wellness.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.¹* 2-Yr Warranty
- BUILT TO PERFORM. DESIGNED TO IMPRESS: Show off your style with an iconic design that blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.¹ A brighter screen makes everything easy to see, and a rotating bezel gives you access to your favorite apps
- YOUR EVERY COMMAND, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Get a little extra help with day-to-day tasks. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a personal AI assistant¹ that helps you get things done hands-free. Simply speak the command and your Watch makes it happen
- UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO BETTER SLEEP: When you get good sleep, it feels like anything is possible. Start each day with more energy and better focus using Advanced Sleep Coaching² - improved with even more ways to help you sleep smarter
- QUICK UPDATES, AT A GLANCE: Get updates, select apps and more with Now Bar³,⁴ and an improved user experience. Now Bar conveniently puts the info you use the most - like weather, news and more - right on your main Watch screen
Rank #3
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31LaWf6wVqL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
- SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
- YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
- NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
- A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
What to check before relying on a feature
- Confirm the update: Check the software update screen on your specific watch; rollout timing can differ by region and model.
- Check the phone pairing: Samsung says feature availability can depend on the paired smartphone; Galaxy AI features for Running Coach require a compatible Galaxy phone, Samsung Health and a Samsung account.
- Allow for setup: Running Coach requires an initial setup and at least 12 minutes of outdoor running with GPS on; Vascular Load needs three nights of wear within a two-week period to establish a baseline.
- Use health readings appropriately: Samsung identifies Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index as not intended for medical use.
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