# Smartwatches Facing End of Software Support in 2026 From Pixel Watch 2 to Galaxy Watch 5, many popular smartwatch models will stop receiving updates in 2026. - **Source:** [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews](https://brifing.si/source/16dd2da6-3eea-4d1e-b34f-45e846cdf037) - **Published:** 2026-08-23 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/99d6ec6e-52f8-4569-8346-e38acaf60f0e ## Models Losing Support in 2026 2026 will mark the end of software support for many popular smartwatch models. Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2nd gen, and first-gen Ultra won't be compatible with watchOS 27. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro will receive Wear OS updates until December 31, 2026. Google's Pixel Watch 2 will lose support on October 1, 2026. What these models have in common is reaching the end of their manufacturers' predetermined support windows. ## Apple's Sharp Cutoff Decision With watchOS 27, Apple will abruptly end support for five different smartwatch models simultaneously. This represents one of the largest model discontinuations in the company's history. The decision stems from modern Siri requiring the newer chips found only in Apple Watch Series 9 and above for optimal performance. Apple typically provides 3-6 years of major OS support for its watches. The Series 8 and first-gen Ultra, released in 2022, will consequently lose support. ## Google's Short Support Policy Google offers only three years of software support for the Pixel Watch 2, ending in October 2026. Contrasting with its seven-year support for Pixel smartphones, Google's watch support window is significantly shorter. This makes Google the manufacturer with the briefest support period among major brands. After 2026, Pixel Watch 2 owners won't receive either Wear OS updates or security patches. ## Samsung's Two-Tier Support System Samsung divides its smartwatch support policy into two tracks: separate timelines for Wear OS updates and security patches. In recent years, the company has provided four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches per device. The Galaxy Watch 5 series, launched in 2022, will receive Wear OS updates until December 31, 2026, with security updates continuing beyond that date. ## Expected Release of watchOS 27 Apple's watchOS 27 update is expected to launch in mid-September 2026. The company typically releases major watchOS updates alongside new iPhone and Apple Watch hardware in September. watchOS 27 will be announced in June 2026 and undergo developer and public beta testing throughout the summer. This update will bring new features and improvements to supported models. ## Post-Support Device Status The end of software support doesn't mean smartwatches will immediately stop functioning. Users can continue tracking steps, receiving notifications, and using basic features. However, they won't receive new OS features, compatibility improvements, or security patches. This could pose security risks for sensitive operations like contactless payments and health data storage, as unpatched vulnerabilities might allow hackers to exploit payment information. ## When Should Users Upgrade? 2026 will be a major checkpoint as multiple platforms end support for numerous popular smartwatch models. Users who prioritize contactless payments, security, and new features should consider upgrade plans for post-2026. For Apple users, Series 9 and newer; for Samsung users, Watch 6 series; and for Google users, yet-to-be-announced new Pixel Watch models will be more suitable for long-term use. ## Major Shift in Smartwatch Ecosystem 2026 will be a significant transition period for the smartwatch industry. Three major manufacturers (Apple, Samsung, Google) simultaneously ending support for multiple popular models will affect millions of users. This could trigger a massive upgrade wave in the smartwatch market. Manufacturers revisiting support policies and consumers gravitating toward longer-supported models will likely emerge as key trends in the coming period. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2240149/smartwatches-last-year-of-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._