Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch 8 Features for Health Boost

Exciting news for those eagerly awaiting the Galaxy Watch 7’s sequel! Samsung has unveiled a glimpse of some fresh features set to debut in its forthcoming smartwatch.

Expected to be titled the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, the South Korean tech giant has shared details on its website about enhancements for “the upcoming Galaxy Watch.”

These new functionalities focus on enhancing “sleep, heart health, fitness, and nutrition.” Here’s a sneak peek at what the Galaxy Watch 8 will offer.

Bedtime Guidance

Samsung is elevating its sleep tracking capabilities with tools that recommend the ideal bedtime based on your individual lifestyle. Additionally, your watch will send you reminders to help you stick to this personalized bedtime routine.

Vascular Load Measurement

The Galaxy Watch 8 will monitor your vascular load—essentially, the stress exerted on your vascular system during sleep. This function could prove invaluable for tracking heart health, indicating whether your body’s stress levels decrease as you rest, which is the norm.

Any unusual readings could suggest it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Samsung states that this information can be evaluated alongside other metrics recorded by the watch, aiding you in creating healthier lifestyle habits.

Running Coach Feature

The newly introduced Running Coach feature is thought to be akin to Apple’s Workout Buddy introduced for watchOS 26. Tailored for runners, it provides support and motivation to help you pursue and achieve your running goals.

To begin, simply go for a 12-minute run while wearing your watch. This session will allow the system to assign you a running level from one to ten. Based on this, your watch will offer personalized training plans—whether you aim to run a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a full marathon—complete with a series of challenges to help you progress.

Additionally, Running Coach will promote safe training practices, particularly beneficial for those just starting their running journey.

Antioxidant Index

Lastly, Samsung introduces the Antioxidant Index. The Galaxy Watch 8 will measure carotenoids—antioxidants found in various fruits and vegetables—using a light-activated BioActive sensor.

Antioxidants are vital for promoting healthy aging by counteracting damaging ‘free radicals’ resulting from lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive sun exposure. This feature will allow you to monitor your antioxidant levels, helping you make informed lifestyle adjustments to enhance your health.

Will Existing Galaxy Watch Owners Get These Features?

The availability of these features depends on which Galaxy Watch you currently own. Users with the premium Galaxy Watch Ultra should expect access to all the new features. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch 7 users can access Running Coach.

To utilize Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index features, you’ll need either the “later released Galaxy Watch Series” or the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Current watch owners will receive these new functionalities through the One UI 8 Watch software update.

When Will the Galaxy Watch 8 Be Released?

Current reports suggest that Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, with a potential launch event occurring in July.

This timeline aligns with previous launches, including the Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and Galaxy Watch 7, which were all announced on July 10, 2024. Regularly, manufacturers adhere to annual launch cycles.

With Samsung already teasing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and now revealing details about the Galaxy Watch 8, indications point toward an imminent announcement.