Updated: Xiaomi has begun rolling out Wear OS 5, showing there's still life in this update yet
Wear OS 5 is the previous major update to Google’s smartwatch platform, releasing in 2024 and debuting a raft of features and upgrades for Android users.
Though it’s the last-gen update, superseded by Wear OS 6 in May 2025, there are still smartwatches receiving it in mid-2025.
However, there are also many devices from vendors that appear to be capped at Wear OS 4. With brands like OnePlus, Samsung, Mobvoi, and Xiaomi all on different schedules and timelines, it all gets a little confusing when trying to pin down if your watch has (or will get) Wear OS 5.
That’s where this guide can help—it’s the key landing point to keep up to date with the Wear OS 5 rollout. In addition to listing all the best new features you can expect and compatible watches, we’ll be tracking the rollout and updating each time there’s a significant new development.
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Compatible Wear OS 5 smartwatches [August 2025]
The first watches to receive the Wear OS 5 update were the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra devices launched in July 2024. Older generations also received the brand’s One UI Watch 6 skin in October.
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 was initially the only other smartwatch to offer the newest software after its launch in September 2024.
The Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 also began receiving the update in the same month, but the rollout was halted because it caused device bricking. A couple of months later, in November, Google announced the Wear OS 5 update was again available to download on the two older Pixel Watch models.
For a while, the only other device that has offered the software has been the OnePlus Watch 3, as shown above. This arrived in April 2025, following the infamous ‘Meda in China’ typo that delayed the initial launch (February).
However, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm edition broadened the pool when it released in July, and the Xiaomi Watch 2 got a surprising Wear OS 5 update in August. There’s no word yet, though, on whether the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro will get the same treatment.
That brings the grand total of Wear OS 5 watches up to eight models (not including case size variations):
- Google Pixel Watch 3
- Google Pixel Watch 2
- Google Pixel Watch
- OnePlus Watch 3 (and 43mm edition)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (One UI Watch 6)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (One UI Watch 6)
- Xiaomi Watch 2
Which smartwatches will be updated to Wear OS 5 next?
We don’t know when other smartwatches (from the likes of Mobvoi or Xiaomi) will receive the Wear OS 5 update. Based on rumors, we’re not necessarily expecting many more rollouts.
As we’ve often seen with Wear OS software uptake, updates are sporadic. Before OnePlus rolled out its latest generation, the last brand to complete the rollout was Samsung. It finally finished its lengthy rollout of One UI Watch 6 to models of the Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 4, and Galaxy Watch FE in January 2025.
The next in line would appear to be the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, given the brand has performed the most recent rollout to the same generation. But it’s anybody’s guess—the OnePlus Watch 2 is still waiting, after all.
Wear OS 5 in brief: Five key new features
Curious about the buzz surrounding Wear OS 5? Although this update isn’t as groundbreaking as those in past years, it remains a valuable enhancement if your smartwatch supports it.
These are five of the biggest upgrades available to you once you upgrade to Wear OS 5:
Redesigned app launcher: This new grid layout (shown above) can make it easier to find apps. It saves scrolling through a list of options, which can be cumbersome if you have a lot at your disposal.
Watch Face Format upgrades: This one is more for developers, but you may notice that watch faces on Wear OS 5 are more complex and customizable. Goal progress widgets, live updating weather information, and the like should be widespread.
Improved battery efficiency: With Wear OS 5, running a marathon consumes 20% less power than with Wear OS 4. The OS manages resources much more efficiently with faster app loading and multitasking.
New metrics for runners: Ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio come as standard metrics on all Wear OS 5 smartwatches.
Security fix for screenshots: While screenshots have been available on most Wear OS watches via previous software updates, a new security implementation ensures that users are always notified when a screenshot is taken on their device. This also allows app developers to block screenshots, which could be handy for keeping things like bank cards safe.
What else can a Wear OS 5 smartwatch do?
That’s the new stuff, then. But what else can a Wear OS smartwatch do?
Here’s a quick refresher on all the key current capabilities of Google-powered smartwatches:
- Track daily activity and workouts
- Monitor heart rate and deliver health insights
- Provide support for offline music playback
- Let you talk to Google Assistant
- Help you pay and store tickets with Google Wallet
- Track your location with GPS
- Sync with your Google Calendar
- Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation
- Mirror smartphone notifications and calls
- Act as an alarm clock and stopwatch
- Provide phone-free access to content, calls, and more with a cellular plan
