Wear OS 5 is the latest and greatest update to Google’s smartwatch platform—and represents the first rollout of major upgrades in consecutive years.
However, not every Wear OS smartwatch is compatible with the 2024 software. Unless you have a specific model from Samsung or Google (which we’ll list below), you’ll be limited to Wear OS 4 (or older software versions) for now.
This guide is your key landing point to keep up to date with the Wear OS 5 rollout.
As well as listing all the major new features you can expect and compatible watches, we’ll be tracking the rollout and updating each time there’s a significant new development.
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Compatible Wear OS 5 smartwatches [November 2024]
The first watches to receive the Wear OS 5 update were the current-gen Samsung devices launched in July, with older generations receiving the brand’s One UI Watch 6 skin in October 2024.
Google’s latest generation—the Pixel Watch 3—was initially the only other smartwatch to offer the latest software after launching in September. The Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 also began receiving the update in late September, but the rollout was pulled due to it bricking devices.
On 12 November, Google announced the Wear OS 5 update was again available to download on the two older Pixel Watch models.
That brings the grand total of Wear OS 5 watches up to six models (not including case size variations):
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (One UI Watch 6)
- Google Pixel Watch 3
- Google Pixel Watch 2
- Google Pixel Watch
Which smartwatches will be updated to Wear OS 5 next?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (One UI Watch 6)
While we have no timeline for when smartwatches from OnePlus, Mobvoi, or Xiaomi will receive the Wear OS 5 update, we have had a steady stream of information concerning Samsung and Google’s watches.
After the beta for its Wear OS 5 skin closed in late October, Samsung has now begun rolling out a final, stable update to Galaxy Watch 6 users who opted in. However, even this phased rollout appears limited to certain regions, as it has still not appeared for us in the UK.
Rumor has it that the full, public rollout will begin on 25 November (after being delayed from 12 November). Even this promising news comes caveated, though.
We’re expecting One UI Watch 6 to roll out on this date, but only the Galaxy Watch 6 seems in line for it (at the time of writing). The Galaxy Watch 4/5 may receive the latest software on this date, too, but there’s no official word yet.
Away from Samsung, Google has also stated that the next update is planned for March 2025. However, we’re still expecting the usual monthly software upgrades and bug fixes between now and then.
Wear OS 5 in brief: Five key new features
Looking ahead to the Wear OS 5 update and wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, while this update isn’t as significant as previous years, it still represents a worthy upgrade if your smartwatch has the capacity.
These are five of the biggest upgrades available to you once you upgrade to Wear OS 5:
Redesigned app launcher: This new grid layout (shown above) can make it easier to find apps. It saves scrolling through a list of options, which can be cumbersome if you have a lot at your disposal.
Watch Face Format upgrades: This one is more for developers, but you may notice that watch faces on Wear OS 5 are more complex and customizable. Goal progress widgets, live updating weather information, and the like should be widespread.
Improved battery efficiency: With Wear OS 5, running a marathon will consume 20% less power than it did with Wear OS 4. With faster app loading and multitasking, the OS now manages resources much more efficiently.
New metrics for runners: Ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio come as standard metrics on all Wear OS 5 smartwatches.
Security fix for screenshots: While screenshots have been available on most Wear OS watches via previous software updates, a new security implementation ensures that users are always notified when a screenshot is taken on their device. This also allows certain app developers to block screenshots, which could be handy for keeping things like bank cards safe.
What else can a Wear OS 5 smartwatch do?
That’s the new stuff, then. But what else can a Wear OS smartwatch do?
Here’s a quick refresher on all the key current capabilities of Google-powered smartwatches:
- Track daily activity and workouts
- Monitor heart rate and deliver health insights
- Provide support for offline music playback
- Let you talk to Google Assistant
- Help you pay and store tickets with Google Wallet
- Track your location with GPS
- Sync with your Google Calendar
- Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation
- Mirror smartphone notifications and calls
- Act as an alarm clock and stopwatch
- Provide phone-free access to content, calls, and more with a cellular plan
