It looks like Samsung is about to do something many thought it never would: ditch the iconic circular design of its Galaxy Watch lineup.
According to new leaks, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic may be moving away from the company’s long-held round aesthetic in favor of something strikingly more square more specifically, a squircle design. Samsung may be shifting closer than ever to the form factor popularized by the Apple Watch, which has long dominated the smartwatch space with its square-ish, curved design.
If true, this would mark the biggest visual overhaul in the Galaxy Watch’s history and it’s not going unnoticed.
The latest information stems from files embedded in the upcoming One UI 8 Watch update, as spotted by Android Authority. These animation files, usually tucked away deep in the software code, appear to show renders of the new Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic.
And here’s the kicker: both models appear to feature that “squircle” body a blend between square and circular that immediately calls the Apple Watch to mind. This is the same general shape seen in the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Samsung’s rugged alternative that debuted earlier this year, but it’s a dramatic departure from what Galaxy Watch fans have come to expect.
The Galaxy Watch 8 is still expected to retain its two-button setup on the side, while the Watch 8 Classic may introduce a new “Quick Button,” much like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This would give users faster access to functions like workouts or voice assistants, a feature that’s grown popular among fitness-focused smartwatch users.
For years, Samsung has distinguished its smartwatches from Apple’s by sticking to the traditional round face, evoking the look of analog timepieces. For many users, especially those coming from mechanical or luxury watches, this circular form factor felt familiar and stylish—arguably even more “watch-like” than Apple’s techy squircle.
But functionality has always been a challenge with that form. Round displays make for awkward UI layouts, wasted screen space, and difficult navigation in some apps. Apple’s watchOS interface benefits from a rectangular canvas, which allows for more readable notifications, easier swipes, and better use of real estate.
As someone who’s used both circular and square-faced smartwatches, it’s hard to deny: functionality often wins out over aesthetics, especially on small screens. With this rumored redesign, it seems Samsung may finally be conceding the practicality of Apple’s layout even if it means sacrificing a major piece of its visual identity.
Could This Be the End of the Round Galaxy Watch?
While these images are reportedly tied directly to the Galaxy Watch 8 firmware and “don’t appear to be placeholders,” it’s worth taking any leak with a grain of salt. Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything yet, and we’ve seen designs shift between leaks and official announcements before.
But if these files are accurate, we could be looking at the end of Samsung’s circular smartwatch era. That would leave Google’s Pixel Watch as the only major round-faced Android smartwatch on the market. For longtime Galaxy Watch fans, this may be disappointing news. For others, it might be a welcome modernization especially for users who have grown frustrated with the limitations of a round UI.
This also puts Samsung in more direct competition with Apple in terms of form, function, and software. With watchOS now more powerful than ever, Samsung’s Wear OS-based software enhanced by the new Gemini AI features coming in One UI 8 will have to match or exceed Apple’s offering to truly win over users.
This design evolution could reflect more than just Samsung’s internal strategy. It could signal a broader shift in smartwatch design language, as companies grapple with the balance between traditional watch aesthetics and the unique needs of wearable tech. Square designs offer practicality. Circular watches offer legacy appeal. Maybe this squircle design is a compromise a middle ground that delivers on both fronts, or at least tries to.
Still, any big shift risks alienating fans. The Galaxy Watch has earned loyalty not just for its features, but for its look. If the Galaxy Watch 8 truly resembles an Apple Watch clone, some users might ask: Why not just get an Apple Watch?
The answer, of course, lies in the ecosystem. Samsung still holds sway over Android users looking for a seamless watch experience. And if the company can pair Apple-like utility with Samsung’s signature features like long battery life, rotating bezels, or deep Galaxy device integration—then this gamble might just pay off.
Launch Just Around the Corner
The Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to launch in July, likely alongside the new foldable phones and tablets at Samsung’s next Unpacked event. That gives us only a few weeks before we know for sure whether this massive redesign is real or a red herring.
Either way, the Galaxy Watch 8 is shaping up to be a defining moment in Samsung’s wearable story. Whether you love the new look or miss the old one, there’s no denying: change is on the wrist.
