Samsung has finalized the list of Galaxy Watch models excluded from the One UI 9 Watch update. Released in August, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 launched with the new operating system. While newer models receive five major OS upgrades, predecessors are limited to four.
Consequently, only a few older devices will not receive the update. The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, released in 2021, are the primary models left out. Having already received four major OS upgrades, including One UI 8 Watch, these devices mark the end of support.
This transition signifies the shift from Tizen OS to a custom-skinned Wear OS. Samsung confirms that the Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and newer models will receive One UI 9 Watch by the end of 2026. New features include a refined visual interface and health metrics like Daily Cardio Load.
For users still on the excluded models, upgrading to a newer device is recommended to access the latest software, security updates and future app compatibility. The Galaxy Watch 9 offers five years of upgrades, positioning it as a long-term investment compared to competing devices with shorter support cycles. Alternatively, legacy devices can be repurposed as sleep trackers or smart home dashboards.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing