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Samsungâs Software Support for Galaxy Watch 4 Likely Coming to an End
Samsung may be wrapping up support for its once-groundbreaking Galaxy Watch 4 series, as signs point to the end of major software updates for the 2021 smartwatch lineup. According to 9to5Google, the tech giant is shifting focus toward newer models, particularly those that will support One UI 8 Watch, a software interface based on the latest Wear OS 6.
The Galaxy Watch 4 was a milestone product for Samsung â the first to ditch its proprietary Tizen OS in favor of Google’s Wear OS platform. At launch, Samsung pledged a minimum of three years of updates. True to that promise, the last significant update landed in May 2025. That release mainly included security patches, with no new features, hinting that the device’s major software life may have run its course.
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Samsung followed a similar path with the Galaxy Watch 3, which launched in 2020 and was sunset in late 2023. That watch also saw three years of software attention before it was dropped from Samsungâs update roadmap. Given this precedent, Galaxy Watch 4 owners may have to come to terms with the reality that their devices will no longer evolve through official updates.
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A Strategic but Risky Shift
Samsungâs decision to end support for the Galaxy Watch 4 isnât surprisingâbut itâs still controversial. On one hand, the move allows Samsung to allocate development resources more efficiently toward its next-generation smartwatches. With One UI 8 Watch and Wear OS 6, the company is likely aiming to deliver a unified, optimized experience that leverages improved hardware and performance capabilities not available in older models.
Yet, this transition also raises critical questions about consumer trust and the longevity of wearables. Smartwatches are not cheap, and when buyers invest in a premium wearable, they expect it to remain functional and supported for as long as their smartphone doesâif not longer.
The three-year update policy, while transparent, may be increasingly viewed as insufficient, especially as competitors like Apple maintain longer support cycles for their older devices. Samsung’s loyal customer base might feel slighted, particularly those who purchased the Galaxy Watch 4 closer to 2023 and now face a shorter-than-expected lifecycle.
The Fragmentation Problem Returns
By leaving the Galaxy Watch 4 behind, Samsung may unintentionally contribute to the fragmentation issue that Android and Wear OS ecosystems have long struggled with. As only newer devices support One UI 8 Watch and Wear OS 6, developers may deprioritize apps for older watches, creating a two-tier user experience where Galaxy Watch 4 owners are left with outdated features and limited app compatibility.
This could also hurt Samsungâs positioning in the wearables market, as consumers might hesitate to purchase a Samsung watch knowing it might become obsolete within three years. Furthermore, software fragmentation may hinder the cross-device ecosystem Samsung is trying to build, where watches, phones, tablets, and earbuds work seamlessly together.
What Should Users Do Now?
Galaxy Watch 4 owners can still expect security patches in the short term, but those hoping for new features or OS-level enhancements will likely be disappointed. For those invested in the Samsung ecosystem, it may be time to consider an upgrade when the Galaxy Watch 7 or newer models launch later this yearâespecially since those devices will support the new One UI 8 Watch and Wear OS 6 interface.
In the meantime, the Galaxy Watch 4 remains fully functional, and its core fitness and health tracking features are still solid. However, its time in the innovation spotlight appears to be officially winding down.
đ Fact Checker Results
â
Samsung committed to 3 years of updates for the Galaxy Watch 4 at launch
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Last major update was in May 2025 with only security patches
â No official announcement yet about ending supportâbut exclusion from beta is a strong signal
đ Prediction: Whatâs Next for Samsung Wearables?
Samsung will likely announce full support for Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch during the unveiling of its next Galaxy Watch line, possibly in late 2025. Expect AI-powered features, improved battery life, and new health sensors as key selling points for the upgrade.
The Galaxy Watch 4 series will be formally dropped from the update roadmap by the end of 2025, following the same lifecycle as the Watch 3. Support will officially shift to Galaxy Watch 5 and newer models. Meanwhile, we predict Samsung will emphasize longer support cycles in future product launches to counter rising concerns over device longevity.
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Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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