Samsung’s next-generation smartwatches — the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic — have reportedly received certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT), suggesting that their official launch is just around the corner.
According to early leaks, the Galaxy Watch 8 will be available in 40mm and 44mm variants, while the Watch 8 Classic could come in a 46mm size. Both models are expected to support eSIM connectivity, allowing users to make calls and use data without being tethered to a smartphone.
One of the most notable design changes could come with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, which is rumored to adopt a unique “squircle” (square + circle) shape. This design will reportedly feature a 1.5-inch circular display and retain the rotating bezel, a fan-favorite for navigating the watch UI.
Under the hood, both models are expected to be powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, promising better performance and energy efficiency. Battery sizes will likely differ slightly: the standard Watch 8 could feature a 435mAh battery, while the Classic model may carry a slightly larger 450mAh unit.
On the software side, Samsung will likely ship the watches with Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch, introducing features like the new “Now Bar,” app shortcut enhancements, adaptive charging, and improvements to Samsung Health, including a possible AI-powered fitness coach.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 series at its Galaxy Unpacked event in early July 2025, which will take place in New York. The event is also rumored to include the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and possibly Samsung’s Project Moohan XR headset.
With certifications now in place and leaks hinting at major upgrades in design, hardware, and health tracking, the Galaxy Watch 8 series is shaping up to be one of the most significant wearables releases of the year.