Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic at the Galaxy Unpacked event on 9th July 2025. These smartwatches came with the new One UI 8 Watch, which is based on the latest Wear OS 6 system.
Now Samsung has started rolling out this same software for older smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro have received the first beta version of One UI 8 Watch. This beta update is available only in South Korea and the United States right now.
Galaxy Watch 5 Series Gets the New Beta Update
Tipster Tarun Vats shared on X that the One UI 8 Watch beta is now live for both Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. This beta version is also based on Wear OS 6, just like the new Galaxy Watch 8 series.
He also shared the new firmware build numbers. For Galaxy Watch 5, the build number is R905NKOU1CYCD. For Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, it is R925NKOU1CYCD.
Right now, this beta program is limited. Only selected users in South Korea and the US can sign up and try the update early.
Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra Also Get the Beta Update
Not just the Watch 5 series, Samsung has also started the One UI 8 Watch beta for the new Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
For these watches, the beta firmware build numbers are L705NKOU1ZYFE and L705NOKA1ZYFE.
This update adds some new features. The most important ones are Now Bar and Now Brief. These features use gesture controls so users can view Google Maps or control media without leaving the watch face.
Gesture Controls Become Smarter with One UI 8 Update
Samsung has also added another new gesture control in the beta version. It is called the double pinch gesture.
With this feature, users can pinch their index finger and thumb twice to do many tasks like controlling music, scrolling through notifications, or taking a photo with the camera.
Users can also set this double pinch gesture on any screen and use it for any custom action.
These gesture features will make the smartwatch easier and more fun to use.
All Beta Firmware Build Numbers
| Firmware Build Number | Smartwatch Model |
|---|---|
| R905NKOU1CYCD | Galaxy Watch 5 |
| R925NKOU1CYCD | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
| L705NKOU1ZYFE | Galaxy Watch 7 |
| L705NOKA1ZYFE | Galaxy Watch Ultra |
Samsung Brings New Features with One UI 8 Watch Beta
With the One UI 8 Watch beta update, Samsung is trying to improve the overall experience of using its smartwatches.
Right now the beta is available only for selected users in South Korea and the United States. But the company may bring it to other countries soon.
For Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro users, this is a big upgrade. It will make their watch more useful with features like the double pinch gesture and the Now Bar.
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