Samsung and Google are currently in a race to bring the Android Wear OS 5 update to their respective smartwatches, with mixed results for each. Samsung appears to be on the verge of rolling out the update for its Galaxy Watch 6, having recently released the seventh One UI 6 Beta update.
This comes after a pause of nearly a month, hinting that a stable release might be just around the corner. This could mean that Galaxy Watch 6 owners, as well as users of older Samsung Galaxy Watches, will soon experience the latest Android wearable software, customized with Samsung’s own One UI.
For owners of the older Samsung Galaxy Watch models, this news is especially promising. The update would allow them to get a taste of the newest Android features, albeit in a version modified by Samsung to align with its design and user experience. This could be a key differentiator for Samsung as it continues to provide software updates and features to its older devices, positioning itself as a strong contender in the smartwatch market.
However, the situation is less favorable for Pixel Watch 1 and 2 users, who are facing a more uncertain timeline. Google had rolled out its Wear OS 5 upgrade for these devices in late September, but many users quickly reported serious issues, including the devices being rendered unusable, or “bricked,” by the new software. Google acknowledged the problem and paused the rollout, reassuring users that it was working on a fix. However, the company’s latest statement has only added to the uncertainty.
According to Google, it plans to resume the Wear OS 5 rollout “later this year” once the issues have been addressed. This vague timeline leaves Pixel Watch owners with little clarity on when they can expect to receive the update, which is disappointing given the anticipation surrounding Wear OS 5. With the “later this year” timeline, users could be waiting months before the software becomes available again, which is a frustrating prospect for those who were excited about the update.
While Samsung prepares to launch its Wear OS 5 update, the delay in Google’s rollout puts it at a disadvantage. If Samsung can continue to offer reliable and timely updates for its older devices, it could strengthen its position in the smartwatch market. Google’s struggle to manage the rollout of Wear OS 5 may put it behind in the competition, especially if users begin to perceive Samsung as having better long-term software support for their wearables.
