Many 2026 Smartwatches Face Final Year of Software Updates, Security Patches

In 2026 a wave of popular smartwatches will reach the end of their guaranteed software support, spanning Apple, Google and Samsung’s line-ups. Apple will cease watchOS updates for the Series 6, 7, 8, second-generation SE and the original Ultra, with watchOS 27 expected around mid-September 2026 for newer models only. Google’s Pixel Watch 2, launched in October 2023, is set to lose both Wear OS updates and security patches after October 2026, following the company’s three-year support rule.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, introduced in August 2022, will stop receiving Wear OS upgrades on December 31, 2026, though security updates will continue. While these watches will still track activity and show notifications, the lack of future features and potential security vulnerabilities could affect users who depend on payment functions or sensitive health information. Consumers may need to consider upgrading before the support window closes. The broader industry trend highlights the relatively short lifespan of smartwatch software support compared with smartphones.