Google’s Wear OS 5 has arrived as the latest major update to its smartwatch platform, marking the first time the company has released consecutive annual software upgrades. However, not all Wear OS devices will receive the update—only select models from Samsung, OnePlus, and Google are eligible.
Which Smartwatches Support Wear OS 5?
The first devices to receive Wear OS 5 were Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, launched in July 2024. Older Samsung models later received the One UI Watch 6 skin in October.
Google’s Pixel Watch 3, released in September, initially stood as the sole device running the new software. The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 also began receiving the update in late September, but Google paused the rollout after reports of bricked devices. The update resumed on November 12 following fixes.
In April 2025, the OnePlus Watch 3 became the latest addition to the Wear OS 5 lineup after a delayed launch due to a typo in promotional materials.
Will More Watches Get Wear OS 5?
No further rollouts are confirmed beyond the current seven models. Samsung completed its One UI Watch 6 distribution for the Galaxy Watch 6, 5, 4, and FE in January 2025.
Google has hinted at another update in March 2025, but no major announcements are expected before Google I/O on May 20-21. Last year’s event introduced Wear OS 5—could Wear OS 6 be teased this time?
Top Five Wear OS 5 Features
While not revolutionary, Wear OS 5 brings meaningful improvements for supported devices:
Redesigned App Launcher
A new grid layout simplifies app navigation, replacing the traditional list for faster access.
Enhanced Watch Face Customization
Developers can now create more dynamic watch faces with live weather updates, fitness progress widgets, and richer visuals.
Better Battery Efficiency
Running a marathon consumes 20% less power compared to Wear OS 4, thanks to optimized resource management.
Advanced Running Metrics
New default metrics include ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio for runners.
Screenshot Security Fix
Users now receive notifications when screenshots are taken, and apps can block screenshots for sensitive content (e.g., banking apps).
