Smartwatch Software Updates: Importance and Support Period

Why smartwatch updates matter

A smartwatch is a miniature computer, and like any computer, its operating system needs regular updates to stay secure, stable, and useful. Updates fix bugs that might cause crashes or battery drain, patch security vulnerabilities that could expose your data, and introduce new features or improvements to existing ones. For example, Apple's watchOS user guide shows how each major version adds capabilities, from new watch faces to enhanced health tracking, and they are delivered through software updates. If you are considering an Apple Watch, check that it will receive updates for years to come.

Updates also keep your watch compatible with your phone and apps. When your phone's operating system changes, an outdated watch OS may start to have trouble syncing notifications, calls, or health data. Without updates, third-party apps can stop working or lose access to the newer sensors and APIs. This is especially relevant for Wear OS smartwatches, where the experience depends on both Google and the manufacturer's commitment.

What gets updated

The Bluetooth radio, which connects your watch to your phone and accessories, is often improved via firmware updates (see the Bluetooth Technology Overview for how the protocol supports data transfer and audio). GPS performance can also be refined through updates, as the Global Positioning System evolves and new satellite signals become available. These changes may not be visible on the surface, but they affect how your watch feels day to day.

• The core operating system version, such as watchOS on Apple Watch or Wear OS on Android-compatible models.
• Security patches that address vulnerabilities in the system and built-in apps.
• Health and fitness algorithms, including heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep staging, and workout detection.
• Connectivity components like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which can improve pairing reliability and data transfer.
• Watch faces, complications, and system apps that get feature enhancements.
• Bug fixes for performance, battery life, and unexpected behavior.

How long do manufacturers support their watches

There is no universal support period for smartwatches. Each brand decides how many years of OS updates a given model will receive, and that commitment often differs between flagship and budget lines. Apple, for example, supports its Apple Watch for many years, as evidenced by the availability of watchOS versions that span multiple device generations in the Apple Watch User Guide. Google's Wear OS platform depends on both Google and the watch chip maker for updates, so support can vary depending on the hardware. If you are looking at a Samsung smartwatch, you should verify the update policy for that specific model.

Budget-friendly watches often get fewer updates, or no updates at all, especially if they run a proprietary operating system. The manufacturer may release an initial version and then stop. This is not necessarily a dealbreaker if you only use basic features, but it means you will miss out on security fixes and new functionality. Before you buy, look for a commitment in the product specifications or press releases about how long the model will receive OS and security updates.

Health features and regulatory oversight

Many smartwatches now include health features that go beyond simple step counting. The ECG app, for example, records an electrocardiogram and checks for atrial fibrillation. According to the FDA, software functions that are intended for maintaining or encouraging a healthy lifestyle and are unrelated to diagnosing or treating a disease may not be regulated as medical devices. However, more advanced features, like ECG interpretation, can be considered device software functions and may fall under FDA oversight.

Updates to these health features matter because the algorithms that interpret heart rhythms or blood oxygen levels are embedded in the OS. If a manufacturer changes how the algorithm works, it must sometimes go through regulatory review. The FDA's guidance on device software functions explains that the agency focuses on the software that presents greater risk to patients if it does not work as intended. For you, this means that an updated watch can give you more accurate or safer health insights, while an outdated watch might not receive critical corrections.

If you plan to use your watch to monitor a specific health condition, it is essential to choose a model that receives regular updates so that the health features stay aligned with current medical standards and your phone's operating system.

What to check before buying

You can often find the current OS version in the watch's settings or on the manufacturer's support page. If a watch is running an operating system that is several years old and the brand has not released an update in a long time, treat that as a red flag. A good rule of thumb is to choose a watch from a brand that has consistently delivered updates for at least two years after release. For budget options, consider that you may need to replace the watch sooner.

• What operating system does the watch run, and is it current? Look up the version and see how old it is.
• Does the manufacturer publish a support policy or a track record of updates for similar models?
• How long has this model been on the market? Older models may be closer to the end of their update cycle.
• Will the watch work with your phone? Check compatibility with your iOS or Android version, and consider that updates to your phone may require a newer watch OS.
• Does the watch have health or safety features that need regulatory approvals? If so, updates might be gated behind those approvals.
• For kids' watches, consider privacy protections. The FTC's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13, and updates should respect those rules.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do all smartwatches receive software updates?

No. While most modern smartwatches get at least a few updates after launch, some budget models or those with proprietary operating systems may never receive a single update after you buy them. Even among major brands, support periods vary by model and region. Consider a budget model from a reputable brand if you are willing to accept a shorter support window.

How long does Apple support Apple Watch?

Apple does not publish a fixed number of years, but it has historically provided watchOS updates for several years after a watch's release. The Apple Watch User Guide lists multiple watchOS versions, showing that older models can be upgraded to newer operating systems for a meaningful period. Learn more in our best Apple smartwatches guide.

Can I update a smartwatch that uses Wear OS?

Yes, but updates depend on Google, the watch manufacturer, and the chip maker. Some Wear OS watches receive regular updates, while others are left behind. Check the model's support page before buying. Our Wear OS smartwatches guide can help you compare.

What happens if my smartwatch stops getting updates?

The watch will continue to work, but it may become less secure over time, and new phone OS updates or app versions might not be compatible. Health algorithms may not be corrected or improved, and you might miss out on features that your phone supports. Consider upgrading to a model with longer support.

Are software updates important for health features like ECG?

Yes. Health features that are regulated as medical device software, such as the ECG app, can be updated to improve accuracy or adapt to new regulations. Without updates, your watch may not reflect the latest clinical standards.

Should I avoid buying a smartwatch that is already a year old?

Not necessarily. If the manufacturer has a history of supporting devices for several years, a one-year-old model is likely still fine. However, the older the model, the closer it may be to the end of its update window. Check the release date and the brand's support commitment.