Samsung is getting ready to launch its next set of smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 8 series, and it looks like the “Classic” model is making a comeback. A new Samsung Galaxy Watch has recently been listed on the Bluetooth SIG website, which indicates the Classic model.

According to information via Android Authority, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has received the Bluetooth SIG certification. The listing shows the model number SM-L505U, which gives us a hint that the Classic version is returning this year.

It is worth mentioning that the Classic model was known for its rotating bezel and a more traditional watch design, which many users liked. It wasn’t part of the Galaxy Watch 7 series, so fans will likely be happy to see it again in the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 series at its next Galaxy Unpacked event. The company usually launches its new foldable phones during this event, and now it may also show off the new smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and maybe even the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Some reports reveal that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might look similar to the first Ultra but could come with more storage and a new design based on One UI 7. It may cost about the same as last year.

Model numbers SM-L32x and SM-L33x are expected to be for the regular Galaxy Watch 8 in two different sizes. The new Classic model uses SM-L50x model numbers, clearing up earlier confusion. With the return of the Classic model and new Ultra model, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series is almost ready to offer more options for all kinds of users.

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic might replace Watch Ultra this year

Samsung just pushed the April 2025 firmware update for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic. The initial rollout has started in South Korea, and consumers are receiving the new firmware update as part of the phased expansion.

This firmware follows the recent rollout of a big update for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra. Despite it being crafted in April 2025, the security patch may not be the latest, as the Watch 7 and Ultra got the March 2025 security patch.

As the One UI 7 rollout is underway, Samsung would have been refining the experience of its Wear OS smartwatches. The OS brings new and enhanced Samsung Health features, which would work with the Galaxy Watch for monitoring.

Here are the software versions for identification:

Galaxy Watch 6

• 40mm: R930XXU1BYD1 (BT) / R935NKOU1BXL1 (LTE)
• 44mm: R940XXU1BYD1 (BT) / R945NKOU1BXL1 (LTE)

Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

• 40mm: R950XXU1BYD1 (BT) / R955NKOU1BXL1 (LTE)
• 44mm: R960XXU1BYD1 (BT) / R965NKOU1BXL1 (LTE)

Thanks for the tip, Aptivi!

How to update: On your watch, press the Home button to open the app screen. Navigate to “Settings,” then tap “Software update.” Select “Download and install” if an update is available. The watch will restart to apply the update.

One UI 7 Features for Galaxy Watch

Mindfulness Tools in Samsung Health

Samsung Health’s Mindfulness feature helps you manage stress and anxiety. These tools are accessible on your Galaxy Watch, making wellness convenient. Improved icons for Mood Check-In, Breathing Exercises, and Meditation ensure a clean UI.

Additionally, Samsung Health now offers new badges to keep you motivated, while specific badges may include energy score or body composition.

One UI 7 makes connecting the Galaxy Watch to other devices effortless. On your paired phone, swipe down to the Quick Settings and tap “Nearby devices” to see available TVs, tablets, or earbuds; drag a device to your phone to connect instantly.

Samsung might be giving its next budget earbuds a new name. Instead of calling them the Galaxy Buds FE 2, Samsung could launch them as the Galaxy Buds Core.

This news comes from a recent FCC filing for model number SM-R410, which matches a trademark Samsung filed earlier this year. This suggests that the company may be planning to change the name and possibly of its budget earbud series.

The name “Core” hints that these earbuds will offer only the most important features. To keep the price low, Samsung may leave out things like active noise cancellation (ANC). That means the Galaxy Buds Core could be a simpler, more affordable choice.

The Galaxy Buds Core might not launch worldwide right away. The trademark is registered only in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Turkiye, Egypt, and Russia. Countries including the US, Canada, and much of Europe are not included, which could mean the earbuds will be released in selected regions first.

It’s been about a year and a half since the original Galaxy Buds FE launched, and fans have been waiting for its successor. Now, with certifications appearing online, it looks like Samsung is getting ready to launch the next version soon.

We still don’t know if the Galaxy Buds Core are just a renamed FE 2 or a completely new product. But either way, it seems like Samsung is planning to offer an affordable option for users.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE 2 listed on BIS, launch expected soon

Samsung seems to be getting ready to launch a new pair of wireless earbuds named the Galaxy Buds FE 2. These are the next version of the Galaxy Buds FE, which came out in 2023. The Galaxy Buds FE 2, with its model number, has been seen on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website.

On the BIS database, the Galaxy Buds FE has been spotted with model number SM-R410 by XpertPick. This means the earbuds may be launching soon in India.

When a product gets listed on BIS, it usually means the company is almost done with the development and planning to launch it soon in India. So, Samsung may release the Galaxy Buds FE 2 very soon.

Samsung hasn’t shared any official details yet about the Galaxy Buds FE 2. But some leaks revealed these earbuds could have a similar design to Galaxy Buds 3 or Buds 3 Pro. They might also come with better sound quality, improved noise cancellation, and longer battery life.

These earbuds will probably be more affordable than Samsung’s high-end models, as its name has FE (Fans Edition). The FE models are made for people who want good features at an affordable price.

The Galaxy Buds FE 2 are expected to launch at the next big Galaxy Unpacked event along with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Stay tuned for more information.

Samsung’s next-gen Galaxy Buds FE 2 firmware development begins

Google is preparing to bring Gemini to Wear OS as an app update. It’s a quite interesting development for the users of Samsung Galaxy Watch as a Gemini AI upgrade will soon be headed to their smartwatches.

As per 9to5Google, Google is bringing its AI-powered Gemini assistant to Wear OS, replacing the familiar Google Assistant. This shift follows similar updates on phones and tablets, marking a new chapter for Google’s wearable tech.

That said, Samsung Galaxy Watch users will also receive an upgrade that will replace the Google Assistant with the AI-powered Gemini. The transition is expected to happen through a simple app update to Google Assistant.

A notification will greet users post-update: “Gemini is now on your watch.” It encourages natural speech for tasks, similar to using Gemini on phones. The update aims to make interactions smoother and more intuitive.

Google includes a note of caution: “Gemini can make mistakes, including about people, so double-check it.” This reminder highlights the need to verify AI responses, a standard practice with generative AI tools.

What to expect with Gemini for Wear OS?

Gemini’s core features include setting alarms, timers, and sending messages. These match Google Assistant’s current capabilities. It’s unclear if advanced features, like accessing Gmail or Google Maps, will be available on your wrist.

Next Galaxy Watch to debut Gemini for Wear OS

The company hasn’t shared a specific date for the availability of Gemini on the Wear OS. There are speculations that it might align with a flagship watch launch, like a new Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch, but that’s unconfirmed for now.