GoKawiilApple, Google and Samsung set 2026 end-of-support dates for popular smartwatches
Several widely-used smartwatches, including Google's Pixel Watch 2, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro, and multiple Apple Watch models, will lose software support in 2026. The devices will continue basic functions like fitness tracking and notifications but won't receive further feature updates or, in some cases, security patches. Apple is reportedly retiring five watch models in a single watchOS release, one of its largest support cuts to date.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Losing security updates is a real risk for devices tied to payments and health data, not just a minor inconvenience. The scale of this cutoff across three major platforms at once signals how quickly wearable hardware cycles are shortening, pushing users toward more frequent upgrades. It also raises questions about long-term sustainability and e-waste as functional devices become effectively obsolete for security-sensitive use.
- Pixel Watch 2, Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro, and several Apple Watch models lose support in 2026.
- Devices will keep basic functions but may stop getting security patches, risking payment and health data safety.
- Apple is cutting five watch models at once, marking one of its largest support reductions yet.
Google Pixel Watch 4 — If your Pixel Watch 2 is aging out of software support in 2026, the Pixel Watch 4 is the natural upgrade with a fresh support window ahead of it. You keep the Fitbit health tracking and Wear OS app ecosystem, plus ongoing feature drops and security patches you can trust for contactless payments.
See Google Pixel Watch 4 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Gabriela Vătu, 2026-08-23
Published there as: “These modern smartwatches are in their last year of updates”
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