Highlights
- Galaxy Watch 3 updated with ‘Stretched Time’ and ‘Perpetual’ watch faces.
- Firmware versions R840XXU1DWK2 / R850XXU1DWK2 included in the update.
- Galaxy Watch Active 2 is anticipated to receive similar update soon.
- UI changes in Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series following a recent update.
Samsung has recently updated its Galaxy Watch 3 with new watch faces, a long-standing update that was needed by the smartwatch’s users.
This update, which is currently being rolled out in Europe, brings two new watch faces to the Galaxy Watch 3 – ‘Stretched Time’ and ‘Perpetual’.
These faces were initially introduced with the One UI Watch 5 update, which debuted on the Galaxy Watch 6 series earlier this year and subsequently extended to the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series.
New Galaxy Watch 3 Faces
Notably, the firmware versions for this update are R840XXU1DWK2 / R850XXU1DWK2, while the Tizen OS version remains at 5.5.0.2.
Samsung had previously confirmed that the Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2 would receive some of the latest watch faces, and this update fulfills that promise for the Galaxy Watch 3.
However, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has not yet received these new watch faces, but it is anticipated to get them in a forthcoming firmware update.
The last significant update for both the Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 was in September 2022, which included a range of new features.
Older smartwatches running the Tizen OS will not receive this update.
The introduction of the new watch faces on the Galaxy Watch 3 might be one of the last feature updates for this model, as Samsung continues to focus on its newer devices.
Galaxy Watch 4 and 5: Updates
In more recent news, the Samsung continues to make strides with its latest update for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series.
This December update, now being shipped by Verizon and Samsung, brings not only the usual enhancements but also a subtle yet notable change in the user interface, specifically within the app screen of One UI.
With the new update, users will notice that Samsung has streamlined the names of key apps: ‘Samsung Health’ is now simply ‘Health,’ and ‘Samsung Pay‘ has been renamed to ‘Pay.’
These changes, while small, reflect Samsung’s ongoing efforts to simplify and improve the user experience.
Samsung invites users to report any additional changes they observe following the update.
The updated software versions for this rollout are as follows:
- Galaxy Watch 4: R865USQU1HWL1
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: R885USQU1HWL1
- Galaxy Watch 5: R905USQU1BWL1
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: R925USQU1BWL1
It’s important to note that these version numbers apply to the smaller models of the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, and Galaxy Watch 5.
Owners of the larger models of these watches will have corresponding version numbers that reflect the different size specifications.
FAQs
What are the new features in the latest Galaxy Watch 3 update?
The Galaxy Watch 3 has received an update introducing two new watch faces, ‘Stretched Time’ and ‘Perpetual’, initially featured in the One UI Watch 5 update.
This update, currently rolling out in Europe, is a significant enhancement for Galaxy Watch 3 users.
Will the Galaxy Watch Active 2 receive the new watch faces?
While the Galaxy Watch Active 2 hasn’t yet received the new watch faces, it is expected to be updated with them in an upcoming firmware release.
Samsung had previously indicated that both Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2 would receive some of the latest watch faces.
What changes have been made to the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series?
The Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series have seen an update that simplifies the names of key apps, with ‘Samsung Health’ becoming ‘Health’ and ‘Samsung Pay’ renamed to ‘Pay’.
These changes are part of Samsung’s effort to streamline the user interface.
Are there any specific version numbers for the latest Galaxy Watch updates?
Yes, the recent update for the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series comes with specific software versions: R865USQU1HWL1 for Galaxy Watch 4, R885USQU1HWL1 for Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, R905USQU1BWL1 for Galaxy Watch 5, and R925USQU1BWL1 for Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. These versions apply to the smaller models of each watch.
What is the significance of Samsung’s recent update for older Galaxy Watch models?
Samsung’s recent update for older Galaxy Watch models such as the Galaxy Watch 3 adds new watch faces from the One UI Watch 5 experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting its devices even as they approach the end of their support period.
Which models have received the new watch faces, and what are they called?
The Galaxy Watch 3 has received the update, which includes two new watch faces called Stretched Time and Perpetual.
Has there been an update to the operating system on the Galaxy Watch?
No, the update does not include an upgrade to the Tizen Operating System, which remains at version 5.5.0.2.