One UI 9 Watch reaches the Galaxy Watch 5 and newer by the end of 2026

If you still wear a Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic, it won't get any more updates. A new report says Samsung may trim major upgrades for other older models too.

By iDeviceNov 1, 4:49 PM CT3 min read

Ask about the Galaxy Watch 9

What does it cost? It costs $379.99. That is the list price.
Does it measure blood pressure? Yes, it measures your blood pressure.
Does it read blood glucose? Not officially stated.
Does it track sleep apnea? It looks for signs that you may be at risk. Its screening is FDA-cleared. It is a signal to act on, not a diagnosis.
Does it have GPS? Yes, it has its own GPS. It works without your phone.
Does it work with my phone? It works with an Android phone only. There is no iPhone app.
Does it do 5G? Not officially stated.
How big is the battery? The battery runs from 390 to 445 mAh. 40mm up to 44mm.
How sharp and bright is the screen? The screen reaches 3000 nits at its brightest.
What chip is inside? It runs on Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm).
What software does it run? It runs Wear OS 7 (One UI 9 Watch).
Does it do satellite SOS? The radio can do it, but the service has not been announced. Hardware capability is not a service you can call for help on.
Does it take an ECG? Yes, it takes an ECG. It is a regulated feature, so availability varies by country.
Does it measure blood oxygen? Yes, it measures your blood oxygen.
Does it track heart rate? Yes, it tracks your heart rate.
Does it track HRV? Yes, it tracks your HRV.
Does it read skin temperature? Yes, it reads your skin temperature.
Will it warn me about an irregular rhythm? Yes, it warns you about an irregular rhythm.

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The Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic won't get One UI 9 Watch, Engadget reported, while the Galaxy Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro and every newer model get it by the end of 2026. The update adds a wrist raise that wakes an AI assistant, along with Daily Cardio Load and a Heart Health Score. The Watch 4 line came out in 2021, and Samsung ended its security updates last month, so the line is out of updates altogether.

The leaker kro posted on X that Samsung is thinking about ending major OS upgrades for older Galaxy Watch models and keeping only security updates, per SamMobile, without saying which models count as older. Under today's policy the Watch 4 through Watch 8, the Watch FE and the first Watch Ultra get four years of OS upgrades. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 get five, which makes them the safest buys if you want a watch that keeps getting new features.

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Samsung is fixing a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 VO2 Max bug on track runs

Oct 27

If you log laps with Track Running, the Ultra 2 won't give you a VO2 Max reading for now. Outdoor runs still get one, and Samsung hasn't said when the fix arrives.

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The Galaxy Fit 4 leaks in black, white and light blue

Oct 22

Samsung's next budget band barely changes the look of the Fit 3. The Fit 3 cost $60 at launch and Google's Fitbit Edge costs $179, and Samsung hasn't priced the Fit 4 yet.

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Some Galaxy Watch owners are waking up to burn-like marks under the sensors

Oct 21

Samsung hasn't acknowledged a defect, and a tight or sweaty strap can leave a rash that looks a lot like a burn. If you find a blister under your watch, take it off and have Samsung inspect it.

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Samsung's sleep coaching now starts after three nights of data

Oct 14

Galaxy Watch 4 and newer, the Galaxy Fit 3 and the Galaxy Ring get the shorter start this month, and Running Coach adds Strava routes.

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The Galaxy Watch9's heart score needs a blood pressure cuff you buy separately

Sep 19

Samsung announced Heart Health Score in June and left out the part where it will not produce a number until you calibrate it against a cuff you do not own.

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