Thank you for subscribing!
If you own one of these smartwatches, you'll lose access to the latest software
If you've had the same smartwatch on your wrist for a few years, it could be about to lose software support.
Every consumer electronic — from smartphones to Bluetooth 'buds — reaches a point when the manufacturer stops issuing new software and security updates. Known as the end-of-life date, you'll no longer be guaranteed replacement parts if something goes awry and you need a repair.
But it also means you'll miss out on the latest software updates, bringing shiny new software features, fresh designs, and improvements to core apps and functions, like what's coming in the upcoming watchOS 27 update from Apple. When these stop coming, some newer apps might not work properly anymore because their newer versions will no longer be compatible with your older model.
However, it's the security updates that you really need to care about.
These critical patches fix known weaknesses that criminals could use to break into your device. Without them, your smartwatch becomes more exposed over time, even if everything seems perfectly normal on the surface. While it's not as risky as a criminal getting ahold of your phone, those unpatched security holes can still be exploited by malware, putting your sensitive information at serious risk.
And soon Apple, Google, and Samsung all have a list of smartwatches getting the plug pulled on them.
For instance, Apple has a bit of a lengthy list of watches that won't be treated to the new WatchOS 27 update expected within the next few weeks.
Apple has said that this cutoff is required to run upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) features and an upgraded, AI-powered Siri. These new capabilities demand higher baseline hardware and chip performance found only in newer generations, so it can handle the new software updates.
Despite not getting treated to the new features, Apple will continue to support these watches with basic security updates.
The Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will still get the upcoming software and security updates.
If you own a Google Pixel Watch, the tech firm confirmed that the Pixel Watch 2 won't get any software updates after October next month, according to the Google Support page.
The Pixel Watch 2 was released in October 2023 with advanced health sensors, a faster processor, and sizable 24-hour battery life.
Compared to Google Pixel smartphones, the company's watches get a pretty short amount of support time. Each watch only gets three years of software updates, whereas the Pixel gets up to seven years.
Google's full list of watches with the end of software support is as follows:
And if you're a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch owner, there are two models you'll want to put on your radar — Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
The Galaxy Watch 5 first introduced the BioActive Sensor, ECG, body composition analysis, sleep tracking, and more, making it one of Samsung’s more health-focused watches.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is meant for outdoor use — designed with a titanium case, GPS route tracking, and a longer battery life than the Galaxy Watch 5.
Both models were released in 2022, with software updates expected to end on December 31, 2026. Like Apple and Google, Samsung's security updates will still continue after the end of its software updates.
