Technology
Samsung launches Wear OS 7 beta for Galaxy Watch 8
The test program for the One UI 9 Watch update has started in South Korea, with broader regional rollouts expected later this year.
The short version
- Samsung launched its Wear OS 7 beta program for the Galaxy Watch 8 series, beginning in South Korea via the Samsung Members app.
- The One UI 9 Watch update features health tracking improvements, minor user interface changes, and support for Google Gemini's Raise to Talk function.
- Samsung is expected to expand beta access to additional regions, including the U.S., ahead of a wider stable release later this year.
Key facts
- Samsung initiated a beta program for Wear OS 7 on the Galaxy Watch 8 series in South Korea.[9to5Google]
- Users in active test regions can opt into the beta program through the Samsung Members app.[9to5Google]
- The One UI 9 Watch software based on Wear OS 7 was originally launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 9.[9to5Google]
- The update brings Gemini's Raise to Talk feature and new health-focused features to older hardware models.[9to5Google]
What remains uncertain
- The precise release schedule and full list of supported devices newer than the Galaxy Watch 5 remain unconfirmed.[9to5Google]