If you’re rocking an older Samsung Galaxy Watch, here’s some exciting news: Samsung has officially begun rolling out the One UI 6 Watch update, bringing Google‘s Wear OS 5 to its Galaxy Watch lineup. This update introduces some standout features, especially in health tracking and device interoperability, making older watches feel fresh again.

The update is packed with upgrades, particularly for health-conscious users. Notable features include:

• Energy Score: An AI-powered metric that combines sleep quality, activity levels, and stress to gauge your overall recovery and well-being.
• Sleep apnea detection: With FDA clearance, the watch can identify potential signs of sleep apnea during the night.
• Workout routine customization: Combine different activities into a single workout session for a more tailored fitness experience.
• Race feature: Perfect for runners and cyclists, this lets you compare performance across multiple sessions to push for better results.

On top of fitness features, the update offers refreshed watch faces, a redesigned Quick Panel, and AI-generated smart replies for texts. There’s also the “double pinch” gesture, a convenience that lets users perform certain actions with a simple hand motion.

Who’s getting it first?

The rollout starts with the Galaxy Watch 6 series and will expand to older models like the Galaxy Watch FE, Watch 5, and Watch 4 series in the coming weeks. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition and reduces potential bugs. Users in beta programs will likely receive the stable version first, particularly in regions like the U.S. and Korea.

Compatibility and limitations

The update is exclusive to Samsung’s Wear OS-based smartwatches, meaning older Tizen-based models won’t get it. If you’ve got a Galaxy Watch 4 or later, you’re in luck!

Samsung’s updates breathe new life into older hardware, aligning them closer to the newer Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 7 Ultra models, which shipped with this software. For those hesitant to upgrade, this ensures their current devices remain competitive with the latest tech.

If you’re eager to see if the update is available for your watch, check for OTA updates under your settings. Samsung’s steady stream of enhancements proves its commitment to long-term support for Galaxy Watches.