The list of Samsung Galaxy Watch models missing out on the new One UI 9 Watch operating system update is short, leaving only a couple of older devices behind.
Software Support Limits
Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in August featuring the latest One UI 9 Watch operating system, as reported by Engadget. The company also rolled out beta versions of the OS for the Galaxy Watch 7 and 8 lineups, with a sixth beta reaching Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic owners in South Korea in late October. While older devices will generally receive the software, some models have become too outdated for the new OS.
Samsung extended software support to five major OS upgrades for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, but predecessor models only receive four. Missing the One UI 9 Watch update means these older watches will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or new features, while future app compatibility also remains uncertain.
Excluded Galaxy Watch Models
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are the specific devices excluded from receiving the One UI 9 Watch update. Introduced in 2021, the Galaxy Watch 4 series completed four major OS upgrades consisting of One UI Watch 4.5, One UI 5 Watch, One UI 6 Watch, and One UI 8 Watch. Special variants such as the Galaxy Watch 4 Golf Edition and the high-end Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Thom Browne Edition are also affected. This transition marks the end of support for the lineup that originally shifted Samsung from Tizen OS to Google’s Wear OS.
Meanwhile, newer hardware including the Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and subsequent models will obtain One UI 9 Watch by the end of 2026. The newer software brings capabilities like raising the wrist to trigger an AI assistant, an updated visual interface, and health metrics such as a Heart Health Score and Daily Cardio Load.
Upgrade and Repurposing Options
Users relying on a Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic may consider moving to a newer device to access recent OS upgrades. The Galaxy Watch 9 introduced in August offers skin temperature tracking, sleep apnea detection, and a commitment to five years of updates, surpassing the three-year guarantee of the Pixel Watch 5. Customers desiring the physical rotating bezel from the Watch 4 Classic can also examine the Watch 8 Classic.
Owners of legacy watches have alternatives beyond selling, recycling, or trading in their devices. Such smartwatches can function as dedicated sleep trackers, smart home dashboards, media remotes, or be handed over to another user.
