# Samsung Overlooked Galaxy Watch 9's Major Upgrade Samsung's new smartwatches offer software support until 2031. - **Source:** [Latest from Android Central](https://brifing.si/source/c01c90da-6cf6-4b63-a76b-3d38df0e8324) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b519517b-52ea-4a9d-8c12-5f7f89b5f626 ## Extended Software Support Samsung has extended the Wear OS software support for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to five years. This means one additional year of support compared to previous models. The new watches launch with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9. ## Updates Until 2031 According to Samsung's promise, these watches will receive major Wear OS updates until 2031. This could potentially take them up to Wear OS 12. This long-term support is a significant advantage for users. ## Role of the New Chip The extended software support is likely due to the new 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset. This chip offers up to 32% better performance than the previous generation. This technological advancement ensures the watches can support future updates. ## Comparison with Competitors Google offers only three years of software support for its Pixel Watch series. Samsung is ahead of its competitors in this regard. Five years of support makes Samsung stand out in the smartwatch market. ## Price and Release Date The Galaxy Watch 9 will start at $380 in the U.S., while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $700. Both smartwatches will be available starting August 7. ## Why It Matters Long-term software support allows users to keep their devices longer. This is a significant advantage both in terms of cost and environmental impact. Samsung's move could set a new standard in the smartwatch market. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/samsung-galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch-9-and-watch-ultra-2-software-update-support — --- _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._