Samsung uploaded a One UI 9 Watch test firmware (L500XXU2ZZH2) for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to its servers. The new firmware specifically targets the Watch 8 Classic, making it one of the first older models outside the new Watch 9 series to get public beta access. This build runs on a newer bootloader version, and rolling back to the previous software won't be possible once installed.

Samsung is moving closer to bringing One UI 9 Watch to older Galaxy smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic seems to be among the first to receive it. A new test build has appeared on Samsung's test servers, which could be a sign that a public beta could be launched soon. The software is still in testing, so expect unfinished features, bugs, and compatibility issues.