Samsung is set to unveil a major change to its Galaxy Watch lineup, and it could either boost brand recognition or potentially lead to confusion. The upcoming Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 are adopting a unified ‘squircle’ design, a style first introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra from last year.
This is a significant shift for Samsung, as all models in the new lineup will share the same shape for the first time.
The squircle design, which was originally used in the Ultra to enhance durability for outdoor activities, will now appear across all versions of the Galaxy Watch. While some users are excited about the consistent design, believing it will strengthen the brand’s identity, others are concerned that the squircle shape should remain exclusive to the Ultra, keeping its premium feel intact.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will maintain its signature rotating bezel, a feature that has been popular among users. This version will also introduce a Quick button, previously seen only on the Ultra, and will feature a thicker bezel and notches around the edge to aid in rotation. It looks like Samsung wants to continue offering variety in terms of functionality while streamlining the overall design.
The regular Galaxy Watch 8, on the other hand, will adopt the squircle shape in a more subtle form. It will likely come in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, just like its predecessor. While this design update may seem strange for a model not focused on rugged use, Samsung may be positioning it as part of a broader visual identity shift.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, however, won’t undergo major changes in design, except for the introduction of a new blue color variant paired with a blue Marine strap. This new color scheme will complement Samsung’s broader strategy of using blue as a ‘hero’ color across its devices this year, starting with the Galaxy S25 series.
Samsung is expected to reveal all three new watches during its upcoming Unpacked event, likely to be held in early July. Based on past releases, the watches should be available for purchase within a couple of weeks of the announcement. Whether this design unification will improve user experience or cause confusion will depend on how Samsung highlights the differences in features moving forward.
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