Samsung reportedly considering end to major OS updates for older Galaxy Watch models

Samsung is reportedly reviewing its software support policy for the Galaxy Watch series. According to leaks, the company may stop providing major operating system upgrades for older models, transitioning them to a maintenance phase that only includes security patches.

While specific models have not been officially identified as being at risk, reports suggest the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 may be among the first to lose major OS support. Current policies promise five years of updates for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, while models from the Galaxy Watch 4 through Galaxy Watch 8 are slated for four years of OS updates and five years of security support.

This potential shift follows reports of hardware issues with certain Galaxy Watch models, including overheating and slow charging due to thermal throttling. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 9 has recently received an October 2026 security patch to address vulnerabilities and improve system stability.