Leaker: Samsung may end OS upgrades for older Galaxy Watches
A Korea-based leaker posting as kro says security patches would reportedly continue as planned, without naming which models count as older.
Samsung is reconsidering its software update policy for the Galaxy Watch series and is weighing an end to OS upgrades for older models, according to a Korea-based leaker posting on X as kro. Security updates will reportedly continue as planned, and the leaker did not specify which Galaxy Watch models would count as older. Android Authority said it has reached out to Samsung for comment.
Under the current policy, the Galaxy Watch 9 and newer models, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, get five years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The Galaxy Watch 4 through Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch FE and the Galaxy Watch Ultra are covered by four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
Hardware shift and reported complaints
In September 2026, Samsung ended security updates for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. With the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, the company moved from its own Exynos processor to Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite, after owners complained about battery drain and performance lag following OS updates.
Other issues have surfaced around the lineup. In August 2026, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 had trouble booting back up during the restart process. Some owners have also reported overheating that caused burns, and slow charging due to thermal throttling, while users on Reddit have recently complained about backup issues and overheating.
Quick answers
Is Samsung ending OS upgrades for older Galaxy Watches?
It has not been confirmed. A leaker posting as kro said Samsung is considering ending OS upgrades for older Galaxy Watch models and that security updates would reportedly continue.
Which Galaxy Watch models would be affected?
The leaker did not specify which models would count as older models.
How long does Samsung currently support Galaxy Watches?
The Galaxy Watch 9 and newer models get five years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates; the Galaxy Watch 4 through Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch FE and the Galaxy Watch Ultra get four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.