The two models in the “two more” rollout are the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. The update moves them to One UI 8 Watch, Samsung’s smartwatch software built on Wear OS 6. It was first reported rolling out in South Korea in November 2025; availability has since varied by model, region and carrier.
What the rollout means for Watch 5 owners
The headline refers to two existing watches joining the rollout, not two newly released models. The initial Korea rollout was reported on November 20, 2025. A Korea-first report did not mean that every country or carrier would receive the update at the same time. Samsung’s firmware history subsequently listed One UI 8 Watch firmware for the Galaxy Watch 5, and later Watch 5 firmware updates followed in 2026.
For the Bluetooth SM-R900 model, Samsung lists One UI 8 Watch build R900XXU1DYK4, released December 17, 2025, with the October 1, 2025 security patch. Samsung later lists build R900XXU2DZB6, released March 18, 2026, and security firmware R900XXS2DZE1, released June 24, 2026. These are entries for that model and software channel, not a promise that every Watch 5 or Watch 5 Pro variant received the same build on the same date. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 firmware history notes that details can differ by device model, country and service provider.
Samsung’s broader eligibility reporting includes Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE variants, as well as listed special editions, but delivery can still depend on the precise model number, market and carrier. The eligible-device list identifies the Watch 5 generation among supported models.
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- ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that detects and analyzes sleep stages while you rest; Plus, Advanced Sleep Coaching helps you develop better sleep habits by analyzing your sleep patterns
- BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA) : Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin
- AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking — from running to rowing to swimming — automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90 exercises, including complex activities like HIIT
- IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: Meet the watch that goes as long as you do; Galaxy Watch5’s improved battery keeps up with your busiest day Do more with synced Galaxy devices that work in perfect harmony
One UI 8 Watch is based on Wear OS 6
One UI 8 Watch is Samsung’s interface and feature layer for its watches, built on Wear OS 6. It is a watch-platform update, not the same software release as One UI 8 for Samsung phones. Similar branding does not mean the two updates have the same features or installation process.
What changes on the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro
Samsung’s Watch 5 changelog describes changes to navigation, notifications, gestures, wellness features and watch-face information. Availability of particular functions can depend on the watch model, paired phone, app, region, language or supported sensors.
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Quicker access and clearer notifications
- Now Bar: Ongoing tasks appear at the bottom of the watch face for quick access.
- Stacked notifications: Alerts from the same app are grouped vertically.
- Personalized Apps screen: Frequently used apps can appear at the top, and users can switch to a list view that shows app names.
- Updated charging display: New charging graphics show battery status and estimated remaining charging time.
Double-pinch gesture controls
Pinching the thumb and index finger together twice can scroll notifications, control music, trigger camera actions and perform other assigned tasks. Samsung says the behavior can be customized for supported screens and alerts; available actions may vary with the paired phone, app or watch model.
Sleep and mindfulness tools
- Bedtime guidance uses sleep data to suggest an appropriate bedtime.
- Mindfulness adds mood or emotion tracking and breathing exercises through Samsung Health.
More ways to arrange watch information
- Custom tiles can combine information such as weather, calendar events and reminders in one tile.
- Calendar selection lets users choose which phone calendars appear on the watch.
These changes are listed in Samsung’s Watch 5 update history. They do not mean that every newer Galaxy Watch feature is available on the Watch 5 generation. For example, reporting on Samsung’s eligibility plan notes that older watches can miss hardware-dependent features such as Antioxidant Index. Software cannot add sensors the watch does not have.
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- ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that detects and analyzes sleep stages while you rest; Plus, Advanced Sleep Coaching helps you develop better sleep habits by analyzing your sleep patterns.Supported Application:Fitness Tracker,Blood Pressure Monitor,Multisport Tracker,Time Display,GPS. Connectivity technology:Bluetooth. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth,802_11_AGNAC
- BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA): Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin
- AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking - from running to rowing to swimming - automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90 exercises, including complex activities like HIIT
- IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: Meet the watch that goes as long as you do; Galaxy Watch5’s improved battery keeps up with your busiest day Do more with synced Galaxy devices that work in perfect harmony
How to check for and install the update
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on the paired Android phone.
- Tap Watch settings.
- Tap Watch software update.
- Tap Download and install, then follow the on-screen instructions.
This is the standard route documented in Android Authority’s rollout coverage. Menu wording can vary with the Galaxy Wearable app version or region. Keep the watch sufficiently charged and near its paired phone, use a stable connection, and allow the download and installation to finish. Do not interrupt the watch while it restarts or applies the update.
If the update does not appear
- Check again later. A staged rollout may not have reached your region or carrier, even if another owner has the update.
- Confirm the pairing. Make sure the watch is connected in Galaxy Wearable, and update the app and its required watch plug-in.
- Restart both devices. Then check the update screen again.
- Identify the exact watch variant. Check the model number in the watch’s About or Device information screen; Bluetooth, LTE and carrier-branded models may follow different schedules.
- Do not install a mismatched firmware package. Sideloading firmware carries risks and should only be attempted by someone who understands the process and has a package intended for the exact model.
Should you update your watch or replace it?
If your Watch 5 or Watch 5 Pro still has acceptable battery life and performance, and you mainly want newer software, installing the update is the straightforward choice. One UI 8 Watch does not by itself make a functioning Watch 5 worth replacing.
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Consider a newer watch if your main problem is battery degradation, if you need newer sensors or health functions, or if performance, storage, display brightness, GPS or durability no longer meets your needs. A software update cannot fix worn-out hardware, and receiving one platform update is not a guarantee of future major upgrades. Samsung’s 2026 firmware history shows continued maintenance for the Watch 5, but major-platform eligibility and later security or stability patches are separate questions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why owners may see different rollout dates
The November 2025 report described the initial rollout in South Korea, not a simultaneous worldwide release. Firmware records confirm releases for specific Watch 5 models, while Samsung cautions that update details vary by device, country and provider. An update appearing for one owner therefore does not establish availability for every Bluetooth, LTE or carrier variant in the same country.
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- ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that detects and analyzes sleep stages while you rest; Plus, Advanced Sleep Coaching helps you develop better sleep habits by analyzing your sleep patterns.Supported Application:Fitness Tracker,Blood Pressure Monitor,Multisport Tracker,Time Display,GPS. Connectivity technology:Bluetooth. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth,802_11_AGNAC
- BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA): Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin
- AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking - from running to rowing to swimming - automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90 exercises, including complex activities like HIIT
- IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: Meet the watch that goes as long as you do; Galaxy Watch5’s improved battery keeps up with your busiest day Do more with synced Galaxy devices that work in perfect harmony
For the original rollout report and date, see Phandroid’s November 20, 2025 article. Its One UI 8 Watch listing described the update as starting for users in Korea.
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