# Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 to receive 5 years of Wear OS updates Samsung matches Apple's software support timeline for smartwatches. - **Source:** [Android Police](https://brifing.si/source/a7444c3b-8025-40d3-b68b-72e44d7adc84) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/080a52aa-8b06-4229-86c1-51d73a510087 ## Record-breaking support for Android watches Samsung announced 5 major Wear OS updates and 5 years of security patches for Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, setting a new benchmark in Android ecosystem. This offers 2 extra years of OS updates compared to Google's Pixel Watch, creating significant competitive advantage. ## Closing the gap with Apple The new policy puts Samsung on par with Apple Watch's software lifespan. Models receiving updates up to Wear OS 12 until 2031 justify their premium pricing. Consumers can now invest with greater confidence in long-term usability. ## Hardware-software synchronization The Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset is key to extended support, leaving Exynos W1000-based Galaxy Watch 8 series behind. The new chip's performance and efficiency enable compatibility with future OS versions. ## Update distribution model Samsung will maintain its quarterly security patch strategy without major changes. Feature updates will arrive annually via Wear OS or One UI upgrades, differing from Google's quarterly Pixel Drop approach for Pixel Watch. ## Gaining competitive edge Extended software support becomes Samsung's strongest card against Pixel Watch. The long-term investment guarantee particularly appeals to enterprise users and tech enthusiasts, directly influencing purchase decisions. ## New industry standard Samsung's move permanently raises expectations for Wear OS device support. Manufacturers must now balance hardware longevity with software updates, while consumers gain clearer criteria for informed choices. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.androidpolice.com/galaxy-watch-9-raises-the-bar-for-wear-os-updates/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._