Samsung has provided a glimpse into its plans for the impending One UI Watch 5 update, designed for preceding generations of Galaxy smartwatches. This revelation coincided with the announcement of the Galaxy Watch 6 series on July 26 at the Unpacked event in Seoul. Despite the spotlight on the new release, Samsung has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the functionality of the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 series.
The company has expressed its intention to extend the One UI 5.1.1 experience to earlier Galaxy foldable smartphones and tablets. This announcement serves to underscore Samsung’s parallel approach, wherein it is aligning its strategy for the One UI Watch 5 update with that of older Galaxy smartwatches, specifically those launched in 2022 and 2021.
Prominently, One UI Watch 5 places a strong emphasis on elevating health and fitness tracking capabilities. Accompanying this focus are novel watch face options and enhanced camera controls for synchronized smartphones.
Noteworthy improvements within One UI Watch 5 encompass an enhanced sleep tracking system, boasting deeper insights and seamless integration with smart home devices. Enthusiasts of fitness will benefit from personalized heart rate zones for a tailored experience.
In terms of a more interconnected ecosystem, the forthcoming update introduces a dedicated software button for quick camera access to the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 series. This feature expedites the launch of the Camera app on paired mobile devices.
The precise timeline for the global release of One UI Watch 5 across earlier smartwatch models remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, with the beta testing of One UI Watch 5 already underway in specific markets, the broader rollout may commence prior to the conclusion of August. For those unwilling to wait, and willing to upgrade their wearable technology, an immediate experience of One UI Watch 5 can be attained by acquiring the Galaxy Watch 6.
It’s advisable to exercise discernment before upgrading, especially if the sole objective is expedited access to One UI Watch 5. Unless accompanied by a favorable trade-in offer, this might not be the most prudent choice. However, for those seeking hardware enhancements, the newer Samsung smartwatches offer augmented attributes including larger and more vibrant screens, enhanced RAM, a swifter System on Chip (SoC), and a sleeker design characterized by narrower bezels. Notably, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic reintroduces the physical rotating bezel, enhancing user interaction.