Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra alongside their foldable phones in July of last year. These smartwatches boast impressive software features, including a daily Energy Score based on various metrics. Recent reports suggest even more exciting features are on the horizon with the rumored One UI 8 Watch update. Several APK teardowns hint at significant enhancements coming to Samsung’s smartwatches in the near future.
Three separate reports from Android Authority detail potential features. Most notably, the One UI 7’s Now Bar, a popular feature on Galaxy phones, appears poised to make its way to Galaxy Watches. Analysis of a leaked version of the SecClockWorkSysUI (version 4.0.57) APK revealed code strings suggesting Samsung is adapting the Now Bar for the smartwatch interface.
The Now Bar on the Galaxy Watch could appear as a simple icon or a more detailed display with both icon and text when the screen is active. It’s speculated this feature will function as a widget system, providing contextually relevant information without navigating away from the watch face. This could include Media Controls, the Now Brief, live sports scores, and even Maps integration. Furthermore, gesture-based controls, such as a double pinch, might be used to access the Now Bar, similar to how double pinching on the Apple Watch initiates certain actions.
Enhanced Battery Protection and Watch Face Customization
Beyond the Now Bar, One UI 8 Watch may introduce additional improvements. Analysis of the Battery app (version 4.0.00.8) uncovered a code string hinting at a new battery protection feature. This could allow users to set a charging limit, such as 80%, to prolong the overall battery lifespan of their Galaxy Watch.
Further investigation also suggests enhancements to watch face functionality. Code analysis points to new watch face options and the ability to set favorite faces and randomize their appearance. While automated randomization wasn’t evident in the teardown, the code suggests recommendations for new watch faces based on user favorites.
One UI 8 Watch: A Promising Update
While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed these features, the evidence from the APK teardowns paints a picture of a substantial and exciting update for Galaxy Watch users. The potential addition of the Now Bar, battery protection features, and enhanced watch face customization promises to further elevate the user experience.
