Galaxy Watch 4-5 - New update!

Naveen Thakur

3 May, 2023

Galaxy Watch 4 & 5 – New Update! What’s New, What’s Next, and Why It Matters

Samsung has rolled out a fresh update for its popular Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series in 2025—and while the changelog looks minimal at first glance, there’s more to this firmware than meets the eye. From improved performance and security to exciting teasers of what’s coming next with One UI 8 Watch, Galaxy Watch users are in for a treat.

Whether you're rocking the Watch 4 Classic or the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, here's everything you need to know about the latest update and what to expect in the coming months.

🔄 Update Rollout Timeline

Samsung began pushing updates to the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 in late April 2025, and continued through June 2025. The rollout includes:

Firmware Build: Based on Wear OS 4 with March 2025 security patch.
Update Size: Roughly 400–500 MB.
Availability: Global rollout, including U.S. carrier-locked and unlocked models.

Samsung’s official changelog mentions “stability and reliability improvements”, but user reports and developer insights show it’s more than just bug fixes.

🔧 What's New in the Galaxy Watch 4 & 5 Update?

✅ 1. March 2025 Security Patch

Samsung included the March 2025 Android security patch, fixing known vulnerabilities. This ensures enhanced protection for your personal data, especially health metrics and payment credentials stored via Samsung Wallet.

✅ 2. Improved System Stability

Many users reported smoother navigation, fewer crashes, and a noticeable decrease in app lag after the update. Samsung appears to have optimized background processes, especially for Samsung Health and Watch Face customizations.

✅ 3. Battery Optimization Tweaks

Though not officially confirmed, some users are seeing modest improvements in battery life—particularly on the Watch 5 Pro. Background sensor management and better RAM utilization seem to be helping extend daily runtime.

✅ 4. Better Compatibility with Galaxy Devices

If you own a Galaxy S24, Z Fold5, or any newer Galaxy phone, you’ll notice improved sync stability between your watch and smartphone—especially for features like Quick Share, Find My Watch, and call handling.

🧠 Preparing for One UI 8 Watch (Wear OS 6)

The current update is more than just a patch—it sets the stage for the upcoming One UI 8 Watch, Samsung’s next big software evolution based on Wear OS 6.

🔮 Expected Features in One UI 8 Watch:

🌈 Material You Design

Google's Material You design language is coming to Wear OS 6, with customizable colors, smooth animations, and dynamic UI elements.

🧬 Advanced Health Tracking

Samsung teased Vascular Health monitoring, Antioxidant Index, and Running Coach features—all of which may debut in One UI 8 Watch and expand to Watch 4/5.

🤖 Gemini AI Assistant

Samsung is working closely with Google to integrate Gemini—an advanced AI assistant capable of natural conversation, fitness coaching, and smart replies based on context.

🌙 Bedtime Mode Upgrades

Sleep tracking will get smarter, including sleep coaching, snore detection improvements, and personalized recommendations based on your sleep stages.

📲 How to Update Your Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 5

Method 1: Using the Watch Itself

Go to Settings > General > Software update.
Tap Download and install.
Ensure your watch is at least 50% charged.

Method 2: Using Galaxy Wearable App

Open Galaxy Wearable on your phone.
Select your watch.
Go to Watch Settings > Watch software update > Download and install.

👉 Pro Tip: Use Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth for faster downloads.

🛠️ Post-Update: What to Check

After updating, do a quick check on the following:

✅ Heart rate and SpO2 sensors working accurately.
✅ Watch Face transitions are fluid.
✅ Notifications sync without delay.
✅ No random reboots or overheating.

📉 What If You Face Problems?

Some users, particularly on Watch 4, reported:

Auto-lock glitches
Sensor lag
Faster battery drain (initial 24 hrs)

Solutions:

🔄 Restart your watch twice after the update.
🔋 Let the battery cycle fully once before judging performance.
📥 Clear cache via Wearable App > About Watch > Storage > Clear Cache.
🛟 Contact Samsung support if issues persist.

⌛ Galaxy Watch 4: One Last Major Update?

The Galaxy Watch 4 launched in August 2021. Samsung typically promises 4 years of software support, which means One UI 8 Watch could be its final major update.

📌 Good News: Developer beta activity suggests Samsung may still include Watch 4 in One UI 8 testing. Fingers crossed!

🤖 Galaxy AI on Galaxy Watch?

With Galaxy AI dominating Samsung smartphones in 2025, it’s only natural that smartwatches follow.

Possibilities:

🗣️ Natural AI replies to messages.
💪 Fitness Coaching with real-time suggestions.
📅 Smart schedule planning from your wrist.

Samsung could use the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Watch 6 as testing grounds, but don’t be surprised if Watch 4 and 5 see light versions of these features too!

🎯 Why This Update Is Important

✅ It Prepares You for the Future

By installing this update, you’re optimizing your watch for the upcoming One UI 8 upgrade.

✅ It Fixes Past Bugs

Minor but annoying glitches—like Bluetooth disconnections and laggy notifications—are noticeably better now.

✅ It Improves Daily Use

Faster app launch times, more stable health tracking, and better voice assistant integration make this a must-have update.

💡 Bonus Tips for Galaxy Watch Users

Use Battery Protect Mode: Go to Settings > Battery > Protect Battery.
Try New Watch Faces: Download from the Galaxy Store—some are optimized for this update.
Use Modes: Link sleep or driving mode from your phone to your watch.
Install Samsung Health Monitor APKs: For BP and ECG access (where not officially available).