Both the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 run Wear OS 5 powered by One UI 6 Watch. That means they are not limited to Samsung’s own apps. The Google Play Store is fully available, giving you access to thousands of third-party apps that run natively on your wrist. Here are the best ones to install first.
Samsung Health
This comes pre-installed, but it is the most comprehensive health platform on Wear OS. The Galaxy Watch 8 tracks steps, heart rate, sleep stages, blood oxygen, body composition, and stress. The Watch Ultra 2 adds a dual-frequency GPS, a depth gauge for water activities, and a route planner for hiking and cycling. No other app integrates this deeply with Samsung’s hardware sensors.
Google Maps
Turn-by-turn navigation on your wrist is a game changer. Google Maps on Wear OS gives you haptic feedback for turns, estimated arrival times, and the ability to search for places by voice. You can leave your phone in your bag and still navigate confidently. The Watch Ultra 2’s larger battery means Maps can run for hours without draining the watch.
Spotify
Spotify on Wear OS supports offline downloads, meaning you can store playlists directly on the watch and leave your phone at home during a run. The Watch Ultra 2 has 32 GB of storage, enough for hundreds of songs. Pair it with Bluetooth earbuds for a truly phone-free experience.
Strava
For runners and cyclists, Strava on Wear OS is essential. It uses the watch’s GPS to track routes, pace, heart rate, and elevation. The Watch Ultra 2’s dual-frequency GPS is particularly accurate in areas with tall buildings. Syncs automatically to your Strava account, and you can view segment times from your wrist.
WhatsApp on Wear OS lets you reply to messages, view images, and send voice notes directly from your watch. The Galaxy Watch 8’s speaker and microphone make voice replies quick and natural. No need to pull out your phone for every message.
Google Wallet
Google Wallet turns your watch into a contactless payment terminal. Tap to pay at any NFC terminal, including the ones at MRT, LRT, and major retailers in the Philippines. The Watch Ultra 2 has a dedicated button that can be set to launch Wallet. Works everywhere GCash and Maya cards are accepted.
Google Keep
Quick notes and checklists on your wrist. Google Keep syncs instantly with your phone. The Galaxy Watch 8’s voice-to-text is fast and accurate enough for dictating reminders, grocery lists, and ideas.
YouTube Music
Like Spotify, YouTube Music allows offline downloads on Wear OS. Browse by playlist, mood, or genre. The interface is optimized for the circular display, and playback controls are responsive.
Google Messages
The default SMS app on Wear OS supports RCS, meaning read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution image sharing. The Watch Ultra 2’s cellular model can send and receive messages even without your phone nearby.
Komoot
If you hike or mountain bike, Komoot is the best navigation app for off-road routes. It provides turn-by-turn voice navigation, offline maps, and detailed trail information. The Watch Ultra 2’s GPS and barometric altimeter make it an excellent companion for trail adventures.
Todoist
One of the best task managers on any platform. View your tasks, check them off, and add new ones by voice. The quick-add widget is accessible from the watch face. Perfect for staying on top of tasks without reaching for your phone.
MyFitnessPal
Log meals and track calories from your wrist. MyFitnessPal on Wear OS lets you quick-add common meals, log water intake, and view your daily calorie progress. The integration with Samsung Health means your exercise data flows automatically into your calorie budget.
Citymapper
The best public transit app on Wear OS. Citymapper gives you real-time departure times, step-by-step transit directions, and alerts for delays. Works well for Metro Manila commuters who use the MRT, LRT, buses, and jeepneys.
Shazam
Identify music playing around you with a single tap on your watch. Shazam on Wear OS is faster than pulling out your phone. Results sync to your phone’s Shazam library.
Sleep as Android
If you want more detailed sleep tracking than Samsung Health provides, Sleep as Android tracks sleep stages, snoring, and sleep talking using the watch’s microphone. It can wake you up during light sleep, making waking up feel much less jarring.
Which apps to prioritize
If you just got a Galaxy Watch 8 or Watch Ultra 2, start with these: Google Maps (navigation), Spotify or YouTube Music (offline music), Google Wallet (contactless payments), Strava (fitness tracking), and WhatsApp (messaging). Everything else can be added as you discover the need.
For more Galaxy Watch coverage, check out our Watch Ultra2 vs Watch Ultra deep dive, the Watch9 vs Watch8 comparison, and our best smartwatches roundup.
