We've just seen Samsung unveil the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, the first smartwatches to come with the new Wear OS 5 update, and it looks like the software is already being tested on older Galaxy Watch models as well.
According to Android Authority, updated beta versions of One UI 6 (Samsung's version of Wear OS 5) have rolled out to the Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 4, so we're talking about wearables dating back to 2021.
The various variants of those smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, are also eligible for the updates, but it appears any older models won't be getting the Wear OS 5 update.
It's unclear how long the beta test will last, but it shouldn't take long to fully roll out. To get the beta versions on your smartwatch, you must be registered through the Samsung Members app and you must be in the US or South Korea.
Incoming updates
The Wear OS 5 update doesn't bring a huge number of new features, but the usual security, stability, and optimization updates are here, so it's worth upgrading your smartwatch from Wear OS 4 when you can.
One of the key new features is an update to the way watch faces are created – a wider range of complication widgets and data types will be supported, and this should mean an improved selection of watch faces to choose from.
There's also improved support for different screen sizes and a number of power optimizations to make the software less demanding, so in theory at least you should be able to get more battery life out of your wearable between charges.
Google has an event scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, and it's possible we'll hear more about the full launch of Wear OS 5 on that date. There's also a good chance the Pixel Watch 3 will be unveiled on that date, quite possibly with Wear OS 5 on board.
