Samsung Reportedly Weighs Ending Major OS Upgrades for Older Galaxy Watches

Samsung is reportedly considering halting major operating system upgrades for older Galaxy Watch models, according to information shared by a Korea-based tipster on X named kro. While the rumor suggests that older devices may no longer receive new OS versions, the security update schedule is reportedly expected to continue as planned.

At this stage, the report remains an unverified rumor, and Samsung has not made any official announcement regarding a change to its current support policies. Users seeking official clarification should monitor Samsung's official newsroom and support channels for verified updates.

Context on Current Update Policies and Device History

Samsung's established policies vary by generation:

• Galaxy Watch 9 series and newer (including Galaxy Watch Ultra 2): Eligible for five years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
• Galaxy Watch 4 through Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch FE, and Galaxy Watch Ultra: Eligible for four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
• Recent Changes: Samsung recently ended security updates for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Reported Performance and Hardware Challenges

Reports indicate that Galaxy Watch devices have encountered various user complaints and technical hurdles over recent cycles:

• Processor Transition: Samsung recently moved from its proprietary Exynos processors to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite chips in the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
• Performance and Thermal Issues: Users have previously reported performance lag, rapid battery drain, and thermal throttling concerns.
• Software Bugs: Community discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight ongoing reports concerning backup failures, boot loops during restarts, and overheating incidents.