Several Smartwatch Models, Including Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 6-8, End Software Support in 2026

Smartwatch Models Reaching End-of-Life

Several prominent smartwatch models are slated to reach their end-of-life for software support in 2026. This includes Google's Pixel Watch 2, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and a range of Apple Watch models. While these devices will continue to function, they will no longer receive new features or critical security updates.

Impact of Expiring Software Support

The cessation of software support means that affected smartwatches will not receive future feature enhancements or security patches. For users who rely on their smartwatches for sensitive functions like contactless payments or storing health data, the absence of ongoing security updates presents a notable concern. The devices will still perform basic functions such as step tracking and notifications.

Apple Watch Models Affected by watchOS 27

Apple's upcoming watchOS 27 update, expected in mid-September 2026, will discontinue support for several models. The Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra will no longer be compatible with the new operating system. This change is reportedly linked to hardware requirements for features like modern Siri, which perform optimally on newer chips found in Apple Watch Series 9 and later models.

Broader Industry Trend

The discontinuation of support in 2026 is a significant event across major smartwatch platforms. Apple is phasing out five models with a single update, while Google's three-year support window for the Pixel Watch 2 expires, and Samsung's Wear OS cutoffs affect the Watch 5 lineup. This collective shift marks a crucial moment for smartwatch owners to assess the longevity and security of their current devices.