According to SamMobile, the One UI 8 Watch update based on Wear OS 6 is now rolling out in the USA for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, specifically the Bluetooth + Wi-Fi models. This follows the update’s initial release in South Korea just one week ago. The update carries a hefty download size of around 1.7GB and includes firmware versions R880XXU1JYK4 for the 42mm model and R890XXU1JYK4 for the 46mm model, along with the October 2025 security patch. Key new features include a Now Bar, Double Pinch gestures, Bedtime Guidance, and a revamped app drawer with grid and list layouts. The base Galaxy Watch 4 and cellular variants of the Classic have not received the update yet but are expected to get it soon. This is widely considered the final major software update for the Galaxy Watch 4 series.
Update Analysis
Here’s the thing: a 1.7GB update for a smartwatch is massive. It’s basically a full platform overhaul, which is impressive for a device that launched back in 2021. Samsung’s commitment to four years of major updates for its watches is on full display here, even if this is the finish line. The new features, like the Double Pinch gesture and the custom Tiles, aren’t just fluff—they’re genuine quality-of-life improvements that make the older hardware feel fresh. But you have to wonder, how much of this Wear OS 6 goodness is being held back by the older Exos W920 chip? The experience might not be as snappy as on a Watch 6 or 7.
Competitive Landscape
This update is a strategic move. By extending a robust software life to a three-year-old watch, Samsung is directly attacking the perceived value of newer Wear OS watches from brands like Fossil and Mobvoi, which often have weaker update promises. It also puts subtle pressure on Google’s Pixel Watch, which has a similar support pledge but for a newer product line. The real winner here is the consumer who bought a Watch 4 Classic. They’re getting a nearly current-gen software experience without paying another $300. The loser? Anyone trying to sell a used Wear OS watch from another brand from the same era—its software is almost certainly abandoned.
The Final Hurrah
Calling this the “last major update” is significant. It means future updates will probably just be security patches and minor bug fixes. So, for Watch 4 series owners, this is the final feature pack. It’s a great send-off, but it also clearly marks the line for anyone considering an upgrade. If you want features from One UI 9 Watch and beyond, you’ll need newer hardware. For a deeper look at the technical specs and official documentation for the 46mm model, you can check the official Samsung documentation. Now, if you have the compatible model, it’s time to hit that update button and enjoy the new coat of paint. Just make sure your watch is charged and on the charger first—1.7GB is no joke.
