Samsung’s next generation of smartwatches is almost here, and while the changes might seem subtle at first glance, they hint at something larger. A shift in philosophy, perhaps — or maybe just smarter marketing.
All Eyes on the “Squircle”
According to early leaks and CAD renders, the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and the rugged-style Watch Ultra 2025 will all adopt what Samsung introduced last year with the Ultra: the squircle. Not quite round, not quite square — somewhere in between. A shape that initially raised a few eyebrows, but quietly grew on users over time.
Now, it’s becoming standard across the lineup.
At first, this seems like a bold move. But it’s also… cautious. The base Watch 8 keeps the squircle form subtle. It’s there — you notice it — but only if you look. The Watch 8 Classic and Ultra are more overt, sticking closely to the Ultra’s squared-off cushion design, which Samsung claimed improved durability. Whether users really noticed that? That’s harder to measure.
Familiar, With a Few Tweaks
The Classic brings back its signature rotating bezel — a small but appreciated detail that many longtime Galaxy Watch users didn’t want to lose. It also adds the Quick Button, first seen on last year’s Ultra.
Meanwhile, the Watch Ultra 2025 barely changes at all — at least on the surface. One noticeable update is the new blue bezel and matching Marine strap, which clearly stands out from the prior orange and gray options. And Samsung seems to like blue this year; the Galaxy S25 series carried similar tones.
Honestly, it’s hard not to wonder: is this a refinement, or a placeholder for something bigger next year?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: What We Know (And What We Don’t)
There’s no confirmed launch date yet, but if Samsung sticks to its typical calendar, we’ll likely see these watches announced next month at the next Galaxy Unpacked event — probably alongside the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. It wouldn’t be a surprise.
But until then, the renders and rumors paint a picture of a lineup that’s evolving, carefully, but not too cautiously. It’s a design shift that doesn’t scream for attention, but still suggests that Samsung is thinking longer-term about what its smartwatches should look — and feel — like.
