Samsung One UI 8 Watch update now live for Galaxy Watch Ultra with new health features

India Today

5 days ago

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 8 Watch update, based on Google's Wear OS 6 platform, for Galaxy Watch Ultra owners, introducing a range of health-focused features that were first unveiled alongside the new Galaxy Watch 8 series. Now, this is a proper upgrade, not just a cosmetic change. The update introduces meaningful additions like Running Coach, Vascular Load monitoring, and the Antioxidant Index — all designed to offer more in-depth insights into your health. For people already using the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it's a welcome boost without needing to upgrade to a newer model, like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. The update also refines the interface, making it easier to view and interact with information on a small screen.advertisementOne of the main highlights of the OneUI 8 Watch update is the new Running Coach, which creates a custom training programme based on your fitness level. It's more than just a glorified step tracker, as it is claimed to provide real-time guidance while you run, helping you improve your performance over time. Then there's Vascular Load tracking, a feature aimed at identifying how much strain your vascular system is under during sleep. It looks for irregular stress patterns and flags anything that doesn't seem normal, which can be useful in understanding how restful your sleep really is.Another interesting addition is the Antioxidant Index. This uses the Galaxy Watch's built-in sensors to measure carotenoid levels — a type of antioxidant found in the body. The measurement takes just five seconds and is meant to give users a quick glance at how their body is holding up against oxidative stress. It's the kind of feature you'd usually expect in high-end health-focused wearables, not mainstream smartwatches.
The OneUI 8 Watch update also includes Multi-Info Tiles, which let you customise what kind of information is displayed on your home screens. Whether it's the weather, your heart rate, or calendar events, it's easier now to set things up exactly the way you like them. Samsung has also added its Now Bar feature, first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series, to the smartwatch.All said, the OneUI 8 Watch update is only rolling out to Galaxy Watch Ultra users. The Galaxy Watch 7, despite being part of the beta programme earlier, hasn't received the final version just yet. But given the rollout has started, it's likely not too far off. For now, if you own a Galaxy Watch Ultra, keep an eye out for the software update.For those interested in purchasing the device, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is available for Rs 59,999 for the lone Wi-Fi + LTE variant in the new Titanium Blue shade. However, if you can skip the blue shade, the white and silver colour variants of the watch are available at much lower prices.- Ends