Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will receive updates for a longer period than the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch8. It is expected that update support for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will last until 2031. For comparison, Apple Watch models typically receive updates for three years. Samsung is highlighting this advantage to set the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 apart, as these models will be supported longer than the company’s previous devices.

Main Features of the New Models

The Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 were officially unveiled on Wednesday. The new smartwatches are equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, larger batteries, and enhanced AI-powered features. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 also boasts a display with 5000 nits of brightness and is certified for diving. Samsung has also confirmed extended update support for these models.

Update Timeline and Coverage

The Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) were set to receive four major OS updates and five years of security patches. In contrast, the new Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will get five Wear OS updates and five years of security updates. This means the devices will be supported up to Wear OS 12 and will receive security updates through 2031.

Comparison with Competitors

Samsung is increasing its lead over Apple and Google in terms of update support. For example, the Google Pixel Watch 4 only receives OS and security updates for three years. Previously, Apple Watch models were known for longer support, but with the release of watchOS 27, the support period for certain models has been reduced to three years. Since Apple does not specify support timelines for different generations of Apple Watch in advance, it is now difficult to predict how long the current Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 will continue to receive updates.