Smartwatch

Core Devices has kicked off 2026 with the launch of a new smartwatch based on the Pebble Time Round from over a decade ago. The new Pebble Round 2 has a bigger and sharper display, in addition to significantly improved battery life, while still keeping the design as slim as possible.

Zepp Health launched a number of wearables in 2025. It doing so, it has positioned itself as a serious competitor to Garmin, offering powerful devices at affordable prices.

Garmin has been very active in the wearable segment in 2025, both in terms of hardware and software. More devices should be in the works and hit the market in 2026.

Two of Huawei’s new smartwatches are receiving an update. Software version 6.0.0.173 brings a new virtual cadence tool, as well as alerts linked to your health at high altitudes. Plus, the Watch GT 6 and the Watch GT 6 Pro also get improvements for music playback and wireless headphones in the release.

The Amazfit Active 2 Round, Active 2 Premium Round and Active 2 Square are currently receiving a new update: software version 6.7.0.1. This release brings the hotly anticipated BioCharge feature to these wearables, as well as new third-party integrations and a sleep-related improvement.

Several of Garmin’s Forerunner smartwatches are getting a new beta update. The beta version 27.08 release is said to improve the scroll experience for users of these wearables in one scenario. Plus, some users also get a bug fix linked to the watches’ calling functionality.

A new and affordable smartwatch sports offline maps and doesn’t cost a fortune. The wearable can reportedly be used while swimming and offers a fairly comprehensive array of sensors alongside the usual GPS module.

Xiaomi has introduced another potential Christmas gift in China alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which features an ECG/EMG sensor and a rather sophisticated design. The flagship smartwatch is also available as an eSIM version and a 3D-printed titanium band.

The Watch GT Pro is a new and well-equipped Lenovo smartwatch that can also be used for swimming and comes with an integrated GPS module. Tracking a wide variety of activities is supported as well.

Garmin has issued a new update for one of its most expensive smartwatches released this year. Packing numerous new features and bug fixes, v16.11 remains in beta for the time being, though.

The Venu 4 is one of Garmin's most recent smartwatch releases. While software development has been rather slow since launch, the company has now started offering a new beta update that will underpin a substantial stable update further down the line.

The Garmin Venu 4 has received a new update that will form the basis of a future stable firmware release. Available on Garmin's Beta Program, Beta 16.11 brings several new features to the mid-range smartwatch, including one that adds the option of tracking your weight.

Garmin has previewed a significant update for both the Forerunner 570 and the more expensive Forerunner 970. The first of many v16.xx updates to come, Public Beta Version 16.11 introduces almost three-dozen changes to both smartwatches after this month's recent stable update.

Garmin has started rolling out the first significant update for the Fenix 8 and its peers in three months. Available globally, Beta Version 21.12 introduces over 80 new features, bug fixes, updates and other improvements like a Battery Manager and the Garmin Fitness Coach.

As is typical for Xiaomi, the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra is not launching alone but is accompanied by new accessories and wearables. The company will also announce a new premium smartwatch with a stainless steel body and sapphire crystal, along with several new health features. The Xiaomi Buds 6 are going to focus on lossless wireless audio.

Garmin is rolling out a new update for the Instinct model series, bringing significant improvements in certain areas. However,, the update to software version 13.08 is still in beta.

Huawei is currently pushing a new software update, HarmonyOS 6.0.0.156, to a recently released smartwatch. It brings a new option for calls and SMS messages with an activated eSIM. Plus, users of the Watch Ultimate 2 can now connect various sensors, like a heart rate monitor, to the wearable.

The OnePlus Watch Lite is now available to pre-order internationally. Available with a 3,000 nit AMOLED display and dual-band GPS connectivity, the OnePlus Watch Lite also sports a stainless steel build and over 100 built-in workout modes.

Zepp Flow version 2.2.0 is currently rolling out to users of one of Amazfit’s smartwatches. Through this update, the AI voice assistant gets several new features, one of which is linked to BioCharge energy monitoring. Plus, users of the Balance 2 wearable can now speak to the assistant in another language.

Google is now offering the first third-party charger for the Google Pixel Watch 4 that utilizes Google's official charging hardware. The Mous Pixel Watch 4 charger is not as portable as Google's, but is said to perform better when used in a fixed location.

Garmin has delivered a milestone build for older smartwatches like the Fenix 7. Finally moving on v23.xx development after five months of updates, Beta Version 25.03 brings numerous changes to the table with over a dozen bug fixes and other updates.

Xiaomi will be hosting a new conference this week in its home market. With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra rumoured to be arriving before the end of the month, a leaker has indicated that a whole raft of new products will be launching within the next two months, including the Redmi Turbo 5 series that has now turned up in an early regulatory body listing.

New leaks have identified that Garmin is working on a new fitness tracker with built-in GPS connectivity. Not only that, but it looks like the unreleased device could arrive early next year.

Garmin has moved many of its older mid-range smartwatches onto a new software revision. Rolling out globally on its Beta Program, the new update introduces several improvements, including one relating to swimming actvities.

The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design Royal Gold Edition will be released in various markets worldwide. This smartwatch was recently launched in China a few weeks ago, with the global rollout confirmed at a recent event. The model is made with premium materials like titanium, zirconium liquid metal, sapphire glass and 18K and 24K gold.

Another Amazfit smartwatch update, version 3.35.0.5, is reportedly rolling out to users of the Balance 2. This update brings two new workout modes, as well as additional tools linked to BioCharge energy monitoring. Plus, there are improvements for other features like Weather and the Outdoor Run activity.

Garmin has released software version 5.12 for one of its 2025 smartwatch models. Compared to the last stable update, this is a relatively minor release focusing on bug fixes. All Users of the Bounce 2 smartwatch are now able to install this software via a dedicated app.

Garmin is now offering a new stable update for several of its recent smartwatch releases. Available as Software Version 15.33, the update is said to contain various improvements, including one that should resolve system crashes when playing music over Bluetooth headphones.

Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update for two of its recent mid-range smartwatches. Available worldwide, it remains a mystery as to what Garmin has actually changed this time around.

Garmin has finally delivered a new stable update for the Fenix 7 and associated smartwatches. The first update of its kind in almost three months, unfortunately Garmin has placed a key restriction on the update's distribution for the time being.

Garmin is now rolling out system software 20.24 for the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Enduro 3 and Tactix 8 smartwatches. This stable release tackles three bugs experienced by users of these wearables. They are linked to maps, the flashlight feature and the SOS alarm countdown.

The Garmin Instinct 3, Instinct E and Instinct Crossover smartwatches are now receiving system software 12.21. This update brings two bug fixes to these wearables, tackling issues linked to apps. According to the company, this is a phased rollout, with many users having received the update already.

Garmin is rolling out a new beta update for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. This version 15.33 release arrives just a few days after its predecessor, and is said to bring various bug fixes to these wearables. A post in the Garmin Forum points to a recent backlight-related issue on one model.

Google’s latest December update adds practical one-handed controls to the Pixel Watch 4, allowing you to manage calls and notifications without ever touching the display. The new Double Pinch and Wrist Turn gestures let you pinch to answer calls or flick your wrist to dismiss alerts when your hands are full.

Amazfit has started to push a new update, software version 2.14.0.1, to one of its 2025 smartwatches. The release comes with new settings, always-on-display watch faces and a shortcut for the Notification Center. Plus, users of the Balance 2 XT are also said to get enhanced GPS and BioCharge energy scores.

Apple Watch Series 11 smartwatches, available in 42 mm and 46 mm sizes, have dropped to their lowest prices ever on Amazon for the holidays. Both models launched in September 2025 with hypertension detection, more scratch-resistant glass, and longer runtimes compared to the Watch 10.

A draft product listing for the upcoming Amazfit Max smartwatch has appeared on one of the brand's official websites. The page, which includes several images, reveals more features of this recently leaked wearable, including support for BioCharge energy level monitoring and contactless payments.

Initial details for a new Amazfit smartwatch have leaked online. With technical specifications, promotional pictures and European launch pricing already revealed, it seems that the Amazfit Active Max will be launching soon too.

Two new sources point to the upcoming release of a new Amazfit smartwatch. Referred to with model number A2557, this wearable was first spotted in Malaysia and has now popped up in South Korea and Indonesia. Rumors suggest that it could be a new Falcon or Cheetah smartwatch, though Zepp Health has yet to officially announce the model.

Garmin has quietly introduced a new beta update for high-end smartwatches including the Fenix 8 Pro. Available globally as a free update, Beta Version 20.23 resolves a recent issue affecting vibration patterns when charging.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 smartwatches, available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, have dropped to their lowest prices ever on Amazon for the holidays. Both models arrived in July 2025 with brighter displays and thinner bodies compared to the Watch 7.

Garmin has delivered a new update for many of its older high-end smartwatches. Preceding a future stable update, a catch currently exists that beta testers should be aware of before attempting to install the new firmware.

Ever since the launch of Spotify Wrapped, app year-in-reviews have become an staple of the turn of the year. Garmin is now jumping on this trend, but Garmin Rundown is only available with a paid subscription, which has users upset.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches are receiving new beta updates. These follow a stable release, launched in November 2025, which brought a broad range of features and improvements. With these latest updates, users of these smartwatches get bug fixes and minor improvements.

Garmin has just delivered a major stable update for its Instinct 3 and Instinct Crossover AMOLED smartwatches. Without warning, the company has pushed a fresh beta update to fix outstanding GCM and CIQ bugs.

Garmin has begun rolling out a new update for multiple smartwatches following the successful distribution of a recent stable build. Offered on the company's Beta Program, the new update is said to introduce several bug fixes and improvements ahead of a future stable release.

Garmin has released a new beta update, version 17.02, for three of its smartwatches. The change log notes two bug fixes for these wearables. Plus, it could also address the faster-than-expected battery drain reported by multiple users of the Venu 3, Venu 3s and vivoactive 5 watches.

A new beta update, version 15.30, has arrived unexpectedly. The release is said to tackle various bugs and bring improvements to the recently released wearable. It arrives a few weeks after a stable update was rolled out to the Venu 4, which was expected to conclude this cycle. 

Amazfit is rolling out a second version of its recent Zepp OS 5.0 update for the T-Rex 3 smartwatch. Recently reported by users in various countries across North America and Europe, the latest iteration of the software is known as version 4.1.6.9. The release notes are slightly different to those of the earlier version 4.1.5.1 update.