# Samsung starts One UI 9 Watch beta testing for Galaxy Watch 8 The beta program launched in South Korea offers new UI and health tracking features. - **Source:** [Android Authority](https://brifing.si/source/01374d39-7ab2-4795-8e0a-444a0e7b4327) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/286f6488-adca-432d-80dc-bbe3941ea51a ## Beta Program Launched Samsung has initiated the Wear OS 7-based One UI 9 Watch beta program for Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic in South Korea. Participants can test the new interface design and enhanced features. The beta version comes with ZZH3 firmware and weighs 2,010.76MB. The update also includes the August 5, 2026 security patch. ## New Features One UI 9 Watch introduces enriched watch face customization options. Alongside the new interface design, advanced safety tools and Samsung Health tracking for aerobic load and sleep vitals have been added. This update aims to strengthen Samsung's leadership in wearable technology. ## Regional Expansion The beta program was initially launched in South Korea. However, Samsung is expected to expand it to other regions like the US and UK in the coming days. Although the company hasn't made an official announcement, global beta testing will increase user feedback. ## Technical Details The One UI 9 Watch update is specifically optimized for the Galaxy Watch 8 series. The update, exceeding 2GB in size, will occupy significant storage space on users' devices. Samsung aims to improve wearable device performance and lifespan with this update. ## User Experience The new interface design aims to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. With Samsung Health integration, users can track health data in more detail. Features like aerobic load tracking and sleep vitals analysis offer significant advantages for athletes and health-conscious users. ## Security Updates One UI 9 Watch includes the August 2026 security patch. This patch aims to close security vulnerabilities and protect user data. Samsung is known for prioritizing security in wearable devices, and this update is part of that strategy. ## Competitive Landscape Samsung's Wear OS-based updates enhance its competitiveness against Apple Watch and other rivals. Health tracking features and UI improvements strengthen Samsung's position in the wearable technology market. If the beta program succeeds, the official release is expected soon. ## Future Expectations The One UI 9 Watch beta program showcases Samsung's innovative approach in wearable technology. Improvements based on user feedback will ensure a more stable and user-friendly official release. This update will help Samsung maintain its leadership in the smartwatch market. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-8-one-ui-9-watch-beta-3703271/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._