Everyone is captivated by the squircle redesign of the Galaxy Watch 8, but it’s Gemini that will ultimately decide if Samsung can make a comeback.
Like many Android enthusiasts, I’m eagerly anticipating Galaxy Unpacked next Wednesday, where the Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to make its debut. Official software announcements and unofficial leaks provide a clear understanding of what’s coming. However, I can only unravel the greatest enigma with the watch itself: Will Gemini rejuvenate Galaxy Watches, or let them struggle?
IDC reported last month that Samsung’s global share of wearables dropped from 8.8% to 7.5% compared to last year, while Apple (15.5%) doubled its sales, and Huawei (22%) along with Xiaomi (19%) are leading the market, with Garmin (4.7%) slowly rising.
It’s not entirely bleak for Samsung; Canalys indicates that Galaxy Fit 3 sales have allowed the brand to perform relatively well in “emerging markets.” But in the realm of premium smartwatches, Chinese brands and Apple are edging Samsung out, despite the fact that Samsung boasts the highest phone sales of any brand in 2025.
What strategy will Samsung employ to turn the tide? The leaked design of the Galaxy Watch 8 may either irritate fans of the previous model or revive the interest of long-time supporters after years of similar designs. Regardless, if the anticipated increase in Watch 8 pricing occurs, Samsung will need to deliver more than just a redesign. A standout feature is essential.
For Android smartphones, Gemini has served as the pivotal application propelling Pixel and Galaxy sales. So perhaps the AI will produce a similar outcome for smartwatches, reigniting interest in Wear OS. Yet, this depends on its functionality.
Gemini and Galaxy AI must impress users, not merely restate the obvious.
Samsung aims to transform the Galaxy Watch 8 into an everyday AI companion that assesses and steers you toward healthier choices. The dilemma is, will the AI powering it function effectively or provide insights significant enough for people to pay attention?
Samsung’s new feature roster includes Bedtime Guidance to suggest an “optimal bedtime” and compel you with reminders for healthier habits; how factors like sleep, exercise, and stress influence your Vascular Load, or heart health; whether your antioxidant index indicates nutritious eating; and a Running Coach that will rate your “running level from 1 to 10” and devise a training regimen for races from 5K to marathon.
Additionally, Samsung alluded to the first 2025 Unpacked that Samsung Health would allow users to “gain real-time insights” by querying an AI about their health and lifestyle habits. We might even see “personalized nutrition advice” featuring “customized meal plans and recipes.”
In theory, this represents a comprehensive health strategy that could enhance Samsung Health, supported by algorithmic data, precise sensors, and LLM-generated suggestions.
In reality, users might disable bedtime reminders for the same reasons they ignore activity prompts: to dodge embarrassment. Samsung’s Running Coach will have to meet the precision of a fitness watch’s lactate threshold assessment for dedicated runners to value their scores; historically, Samsung’s VO2 Max score has often felt inaccurate.
And after the confusion last year with everyone receiving the same AGEs Index, I’m curious if the antioxidant index tool will accurately detect carotenoids.
I’m not trying to sound skeptical here. However, accuracy and personalization are as crucial as appearance. Can Samsung accurately assess a person’s heart health, or create a viable marathon training regimen based on just 12 minutes of running data? And will its AI coach offer specific recommendations or merely deliver generic insights from Google Search?
That’s why Gemini — operating in the background to drive these Galaxy AI functionalities — is vital to the Watch 8’s success. Samsung must assure users that these tools are not AI gimmicks based on questionable data, like the Garmin Connect Plus chatbot. If Samsung opts to introduce a subscription for Samsung Health AI, the expectations will be even greater.
Gemini has the potential to revolutionize Wear OS or fall short.
Health and fitness features are important to many users, yet people purchase Wear OS smartwatches for their intelligence, Android connectivity, and (until now) Assistant commands.
From the One UI 8 Watch beta, we know the Watch 8 will include new Tiles and a Now Bar, providing pertinent information accessible with a double-finger tap. Samsung must demonstrate that the Now Bar understands the apps and information you consider most “relevant.” We can also expect additional enhancements.
Nevertheless, I am primarily looking forward to Gemini, which Samsung has verified will be available on Galaxy Watches. The blog post promised “hands-free assistance using natural voice commands to maintain productivity on the go.” Examples included “Remember I’m using locker 43 today” or “Summarize my last email” showcasing what Gemini can achieve, sourcing data from Google and Samsung applications.
This sounds incredibly advanced and could dazzle users.
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