Samsung is dishing out free Galaxy Watch upgrades - how to get yours first

If you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch strapped to your wrist, it might not be too long before it gets a fresh lick of paint courtesy of a big free software update. The firm had previously announced it would bring its new One UI 8 upgrade to select Galaxy Watch models including the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, but now the update is rolling out for some owners.

This update, which although called One UI 8 actually incorporates Google’s Wear OS 6 software, includes tools such as a new Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index tool thanks to the watches’ built-in sensors, plus a new Running Coach and Bedtime Guidance feature.

These all sound like great new features for your Galaxy Watch, but there are a few caveats. First of all, the updates appear to only be for the Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, the two latest Galaxy Watch models released in 2024.

Though unconfirmed, Samsung could be leaving Galaxy Watch 6 and older owners behind, which would be a shame.

Additionally, Android Police reported that the updates are only currently available to those signed up to the One UI 8 beta programme in South Korea and the US - so at the moment, UK Galaxy Watch users are out of luck.

Beta versions of software are previews of what’s to come when software officially launches for all users of tech products worldwide, but those in the know can get early access. In this case, Korean and American Galaxy Watch owners have been able to apply to get the beta version of One UI 8 via the Samsung Members app on their phones. Samsung then beams the update to them early for them to load onto their wearables.

In previous years Samsung has let UK Galaxy Watch owners in on the beta fun a few weeks after first opening up to other regions, so if you have a recent Galaxy Watch and want to use some new features before most other users, keep checking the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy phone to see if the option pops up for you. If it comes to the UK this will be the way to get hold of the fre eupdate first.

If you don’t have the Samsung Members app, you can download it from the Galaxy Store app - not Google Play Store - on Samsung phones.

The new beta updates for the Galaxy Watch come as Samsung prepares for its next Unpacked event, due to take place on July 9 in Brooklyn, New York.

As well as the predicted launch of the foldable Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 devices, Samsung is expected to lift the lid on the Galaxy Watch 8. And according to serial leaker Evan Blass, Samsung will also release a Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra 2, fully updating its wearable line up.

The Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic look to be getting a design update with a similar shape to the Ultra, while the Classic could regain the fan-favourite rotating bezel around the screen.