TL;DR Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a brand-new Dynamic Lug System for watch bands.
While the new system promises better comfort and 11% more accurate heart rate tracking, older Galaxy Watch bands and other standard third-party 20mm bands are no longer compatible with the new smartwatches.
Users with a collection of older straps will need to invest in new ones designed for the Galaxy Watch 8 series.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. While there are welcome upgrades all around, the watches also introduce a new design element that might not sit well with longtime Galaxy Watch users.
The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have a new Dynamic Lug System that replaces the long-standing 20mm standard band compatibility seen across previous Galaxy Watch generations.
Until now, Samsung smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 7 and even the original Galaxy Watch, supported interchangeable 20mm straps, allowing users to reuse old bands and explore a wide variety of third-party options. With the Galaxy Watch 8 series, that era has come to an end.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Samsung says the new Dynamic Lug System is designed to improve the strap angle for a more ergonomic fit, leading to an 11% improvement in heart rate tracking accuracy over the Galaxy Watch 7 series. The company claims the new system also makes it easier to swap out bands, but sadly, your old bands won’t fit anymore.
This is quite a big change and could disappoint many longtime Galaxy Watch owners who have invested in multiple bands over the years. While the improved heart rate tracking and easier band-swapping are appealing, those upgrading from older models will need to start fresh with a new set of compatible straps.
The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic will be available with a wide selection of official bands, including Athleisure, Fabric, and Sport options. The Watch 8 Classic also gets an exclusive Hybrid band range.