Samsung has finally delivered the long-awaited Galaxy Watch 4 One UI 8 Watch update to users in South Korea. The rollout began earlier today and will expand to other regions in the coming days and weeks.
This major software upgrade brings Wear OS 6 to the 2021 Galaxy Watch lineup—Samsung’s first smartwatches to run on Google’s Wear OS platform. The update arrives as firmware version R870XXU1JYK4 for the Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Watch 4 and R880XXU1JYK4 for the Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Both downloads exceed 1GB in size. It remains unclear whether cellular variants have received the update yet.
If you’re in South Korea, you can check for the update right away. First, open the Galaxy Wearable app on your paired Android phone. Then, go to Watch settings > Watch software update and tap Download and install. Once the file downloads, tap Install now to begin. Your watch will restart automatically after a few minutes.
Before starting, ensure your smartwatch has at least 50% battery. This prevents installation errors or unexpected shutdowns during the process.
Launched in mid-2021 with One UI 5 Watch (based on Wear OS 4), the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic have now received four major software updates—including Wear OS 5 and now Wear OS 6. This latest release underscores Samsung’s continued support for older hardware.
So, what’s new in One UI 8 Watch?
Most notably, the update introduces a completely redesigned interface. For example, users now get Tiles pages that support multiple interactive widgets—making key functions more accessible at a glance.
Additionally, Samsung has added the Now Bar, a new panel that displays ongoing activities like music playback, active workouts, or timers without opening apps. This improves real-time usability during daily routines.
The update also enhances gesture controls. Specifically, it expands support for Double Pinch gestures, letting users trigger actions like opening the app drawer or returning home with a simple hand motion.
Other key upgrades include:
- New battery charging animations for a more engaging experience
- Stacked notifications that declutter the alerts panel
- Easier watch face discovery through improved browsing and preview tools
- A revamped Samsung Health interface with alphabetical app sorting and a cleaner grid layout
Altogether, the Galaxy Watch 4 One UI 8 Watch update blends visual polish with practical functionality. By modernizing navigation, personalization, and health tracking, Samsung ensures these 2021 devices remain competitive well into 2026.
If you own a Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic, keep an eye on your Galaxy Wearable app—your update may arrive any day.
READ: Samsung One UI 8.5: New Features and Q1 2026 Rollout Confirmed
