Samsung has expanded its One UI 8 beta program to include the Galaxy Watch 5 series, marking a key advancement in its smartwatch technology. Announced on November 10, 2025, this initiative aims to unify Samsung’s smartwatch ecosystem under the latest Wear OS advancements. The beta version, based on Wear OS 6, is currently available for users in South Korea, with a rollout in the United States anticipated soon.
This expansion follows the program’s initial focus on newer models like the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra. Industry analysts view this move as part of Samsung’s strategy to maintain the relevance of older devices amidst intensified competition from tech giants such as Google and Apple. According to Android Authority, the beta update is designed to enhance user experience while offering improved functionalities.
Key Features and Updates
The One UI 8 beta brings numerous enhancements, including better privacy features and personalization options. The update, which is approximately 2GB, also includes the September 2025 security patch, ensuring that users have access to the latest security measures while testing new functionalities. As reported by SamMobile, the Galaxy Watch 5 series now joins a select group of devices, including the Watch 6 and Watch 7, participating in this beta phase.
Diving deeper into the specifics, the One UI 8 beta improves the user interface, benefitting from the core enhancements of Wear OS 6. Users have noted better battery management and app integration, with early tests indicating smoother animations and improved accuracy in health tracking. Feedback from beta testers on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflects a mix of excitement and impatience regarding the stable release of the software. One user, tech enthusiast Tarun Vats, expressed his anticipation with a tweet stating, “Beta program starts now… but the stable update is still nowhere to be seen.”
Broader Implications for Samsung
Samsung’s history with beta programs showcases its commitment to significant updates. The One UI 5 Watch beta in 2023, for instance, was praised for its substantial improvements to the user interface and health features. This current beta is no different, addressing previous issues such as blood oxygen monitoring errors during sleep, as highlighted by reports from Sammy Fans.
The implications of this update extend beyond user experience. By providing Wear OS 6-based updates for the Galaxy Watch 5, which was launched in 2022, Samsung demonstrates its commitment to extending the lifecycle of its devices. This strategy could potentially enhance the longevity of older models, aligning with consumer expectations for longer support periods.
However, not all models are included in this beta rollout. Confusion surrounding the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic has been clarified, indicating selective eligibility that could influence consumer purchasing decisions.
To participate in the beta, users in eligible regions must enroll through the Samsung Members app, a process that allows the company to collect real-world data to refine the software before the official release. Recent discussions on X highlight user experiences, with posts from 9to5Google and Android Authority encouraging community interaction around the new features.
In the competitive landscape of wearable technology, this beta places Samsung in a favorable position against its rivals. While Google continues to update its Pixel Watch app, Samsung’s integration with its broader ecosystem—including seamless connectivity with Galaxy phones—provides a distinct advantage. Analysts anticipate that, although the beta is progressing, full deployment may not occur until early 2026, impacting overall user satisfaction.
As Samsung navigates this beta phase, the focus on delivering a stable update that meets user expectations will be crucial. With the launch of the Galaxy S26 series anticipated to coincide with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, Samsung is poised to maintain synchronization across its device lineup.
In summary, the expansion of the One UI 8 beta program to the Galaxy Watch 5 series reflects Samsung’s strategic approach to enhancing its wearable technology. As testing continues, the company aims to address user feedback while solidifying its position in the competitive smartwatch market.
