The Galaxy Watch 4, released in 2021, was guaranteed “four years of major updates” by Samsung, yet it might miss out on the forthcoming One UI 8 Watch. This brings up concerns regarding the durability of Wear OS devices in comparison to Apple’s watchOS, which generally supports gadgets for five years. The Galaxy Watch 4 has been updated to Wear OS 3.5, 4, and 5, and it was anticipated to have Wear OS 6 as its concluding update. Nonetheless, the timing of updates, like the postponed One UI 6 Watch, complicates this anticipation.
Google’s Pixel Watches guarantee “at least three years” of updates, with the Pixel Watch 1 likely to get Wear OS 6 in October. However, Google has not ensured “major” updates, and after its three-year period, the Pixel Watch 1 may only receive security updates.
Apple’s management of its hardware and software allows for more extended support, in contrast to Samsung and Google, which encounter obstacles with the hardware constraints of smartwatches. Samsung’s Exynos chips and Google’s dependence on older hardware such as the Exynos 9110 in the Pixel Watch 1 restrict the possibility of prolonged support.
The inquiry persists whether Wear OS devices should align with Apple Watches in terms of longevity. Although Apple offers longer support, other brands like Garmin limit new features after a handful of years. The anticipation for smartwatch updates differs, with some users ready to upgrade every 2–3 years for fresh features, while others look for prolonged support.
In conclusion, whether the Galaxy Watch 4’s failure to receive One UI 8 Watch is significant hinges on user expectations and the value placed on new features. As the smartwatch industry progresses, the equilibrium between hardware capabilities and software support will continuously influence user experiences.
