Samsung Unveils Redesigned Smartwatches with Google AI Built In: Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic.

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, featuring Google's Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI chatbot. The devices boast slimmer designs, longer battery life, brighter displays, and AI-powered wellness features. The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $350, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic costs $500. Both devices are available for preorder and will ship on July 25. Samsung is positioning the Galaxy Watch as a standalone product, with the wearables market growing globally.

Samsung Electronics Co. has announced the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, marking a significant upgrade in its smartwatch line. The new devices, which will be available for preorder starting July 23 and ship on July 25, feature Google's Wear OS 6 operating system with the Gemini AI chatbot built-in [1].

The Galaxy Watch 8, priced at $350, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, priced at $500, come with slimmer designs, longer battery life, and brighter displays. They also incorporate AI-powered wellness features, including tools for measuring antioxidant levels and vascular load, a running coach, and sleep management upgrades [1]. The watches are available in various sizes and materials, with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic featuring a stainless steel frame and a rotating bezel with programmable buttons.

Samsung has positioned the Galaxy Watch as a standalone product, aiming to compete more effectively in the growing wearables market. According to market research firm IDC, global shipments of wearables grew by 5.4% in 2024 to approximately 535 million units [1]. Apple Inc. dominated the category with a 24% share of the global market in the fourth quarter, followed by Xiaomi at 12%, Samsung at 8%, and Huawei Technologies Co. at 8% [1].

The Galaxy Watch 8 series includes the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025). Key specs include 64GB of storage across higher-end models, the Exynos W1000 chipset, and various sensors for health tracking [2]. Pricing in France indicates a 20% price increase for the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic compared to their predecessors, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) will retain the same price as its predecessor [2].

Samsung's commitment to innovation in its smartwatch line is evident in the company's focus on software upgrades and health tracking features. However, the company has no immediate plans to make its smartwatches and smart ring compatible with iPhones [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-09/samsung-galaxy-watch-8-galaxy-watch-8-classic-prices-features
[2] https://9to5google.com/2025/07/04/galaxy-watch-8-full-specs-pricing-leak/