Samsung seemingly has plans to formally finish help for its outdated smartwatches working on the Tizen working system. This information comes from a latest notification that was shared on the Galaxy Watch subreddit.
In response to the submit, the Tizen sunsetting will have an effect on all Galaxy Watch fashions that launched earlier than the Galaxy Watch 4. This consists of, however is just not restricted to, the unique Galaxy Watch, the Watch Lively Duo, and the outdated Gear collection. It is solely affecting these older fashions because the Galaxy Watch 4 was the primary time Samsung adopted Google’s WatchOS as the primary platform.
The shutoff will not occur unexpectedly, although. It’ll happen in waves starting this yr. On September 30, 2024, the “Galaxy Retailer will cease promoting paid Tizen Watch content material,” like purposes and watch faces. Then, on Might 31, 2025, the corporate will not permit “new downloads of free content material” to their system. In June 2025, third-party providers for Tizen {hardware} will finish “in every single place besides [from the] Galaxy Retailer”. You’ll nonetheless be capable to set up software program from Samsung’s platform, however just for a number of months. As a result of on September 30, 2025, downloads for bought objects will stop because the tech big formally ends Tizen Watch help.
Don’t fear about lacking out on any new apps, as the corporate has stopped doing that. On the Samsung Developer web site, a discover states that developer groups can not “register new or up to date Tizen-based watch apps.” As a substitute, they’re directing these teams to the Galaxy Watch Studio Converter and Watch Face Studio software program to assist with the transition.
Restricted performance
In fact, it is possible for you to to make use of your Tizen wearable after September 30, 2025. It’s not like Samsung is flipping a swap and bricking your system subsequent yr, nevertheless it does imply you gained’t be capable to get pleasure from a completely functioning smartwatch. Affected fashions, just like the Watch Lively 2, will exist underneath heavy restrictions. This additionally means safety updates are going to finish, leaving customers susceptible to malware.
It appears Samsung is making an attempt to push individuals to improve by buying a more recent WearOS mannequin. In spite of everything, we’re on the cusp of the Galaxy Watch 7 popping out very quickly – in all probability in August if historical past is any indication. However up to date Galaxy Watches will be costly – The Watch 6 usually retails for $380 on Amazon, though there’s a sale in the meanwhile.
What’s attention-grabbing is that Samsung is at the moment working a particular trade-in promotion for outdated Tizen fashions. On the time of this writing, you may commerce in an unique Galaxy Watch and stand up to $100 in credit score for a Watch 6. Nonetheless, as 9To5Google factors out, that’s assuming the wearable is in good situation. The extra banged up it’s, the much less you’ll obtain in return.
For those who’re on the lookout for different choices, take a look at TechRadar’s round-up of one of the best smartwatches for 2024.
