Samsung apparently plans to formally end support for its older smartwatches running the Tizen OS. This news comes from a recent notification that was shared on the Galaxy Watch subreddit.
According to the publication, Tizen's extinction will affect all Galaxy Watch models that were released before the Galaxy Watch 4. This includes, but is not limited to, the original Galaxy Watch, the Watch Active Duo, and the old Gear series. It only affects these older models, as the Galaxy Watch 4 was the first time Samsung adopted Google's WatchOS as its primary platform.
However, the closure will not happen suddenly. It will happen in waves starting this year. On September 30, 2024, “Galaxy Store will stop selling paid Tizen Watch content” such as apps and watch faces. Then, on May 31, 2025, the company will no longer allow “new downloads of free content” on your device. In June 2025, third-party services for Tizen hardware will end “everywhere except [from the] Galaxy Store.” You will still be able to install software from Samsung's platform, but only for a few months. Because on September 30, 2025, downloads of purchased items will cease when the tech giant officially ends Tizen Watch support.
Don't worry about missing out on any new apps as the company stopped doing that. On Samsung's developer website, a notice states that developer teams can no longer “register new or updated Tizen-based watch apps.” Instead, they are directing these groups to the Galaxy Watch Studio Converter and Watch Face Studio software to help with the transition.
Limited functionality
Of course, you'll be able to use your Tizen wearable after September 30, 2025. It's not like Samsung is flipping a switch and locking your device next year, but it does mean you won't be able to enjoy a fully functioning smartwatch. Affected models, such as the Watch Active 2, will be subject to heavy restrictions. This also means that security updates will end, leaving users vulnerable to malware.
It seems like Samsung is trying to pressure people to upgrade by purchasing a newer WearOS model. After all, we're on the cusp of launching the Galaxy Watch 7 very soon, probably in August, if history is any indication. But contemporary Galaxy Watches can be expensive: the Watch 6 typically sells for $380 on Amazon, although there are deals going on right now.
What's interesting is that Samsung is currently running a special trade-in promotion for older Tizen models. As of this writing, you can trade in an original Galaxy Watch and get up to $100 in credit for a Watch 6. However, as 9To5Google points out, that assumes the wearable is in good condition. The more beaten up it is, the less you will receive in return.
If you're looking for other options, check out TechRadar's roundup of the best smartwatches for 2024.
