Samsung has finally brought its 2021 flagship Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic into the modern era with the One UI 8 Watch update, now rolling out to Wi-Fi models in South Korea. This hefty 1GB download marks the final major OS upgrade for the Wear OS pioneers, delivering a fresh redesign and smart features long enjoyed by newer watches.
The rollout kicks off with firmware versions R870XXU1JYK4 (Watch 4) and R880XXU1JYK4 (Watch 4 Classic), packing Wear OS 6 enhancements like revamped tiles, a slick app drawer, and the handy Now Bar for tracking workouts or music playback in real-time. Double-pinch gestures add touch-free control, while watch face selection gets streamlined for quicker customization.
Samsung Health sees tweaks for better insights, plus stacked notifications, a new charging animation, and fresh face options round out the polish. Launched as Samsung’s first four-year update promise on Wear OS, this caps support for the Watch 4 series—still outpacing rivals like Pixel Watch’s three-year commitment.
Key One UI 8 Watch Features for Watch 4
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Firmware | R870XXU1JYK4 / R880XXU1JYK4 |
| Size | Over 1GB |
| Design Updates | New tiles, app drawer, Now Bar |
| Gestures | Double-pinch for controls |
| Health & UI | Improved Samsung Health, notifications |
| Rollout Start | South Korea (Wi-Fi models) |
Owners should connect to Wi-Fi and check via the watch’s settings for the update, with global expansion to India, USA, and beyond expected soon. A solid send-off for a trailblazing wearable.