Smartwatch

Garmin has quietly updated its latest batch of high-end smartwatches with a new update. Initially offered on its Beta Program before moving to its stable software branch, the new update precedes a much larger one that should be arriving later this summer.

Zepp Health is rolling out software version 3.9.4.4 for the T-Rex 3 smartwatch. This update brings a new HYROX Training workout, alongside a couple of zoom functions. Plus, the release brings a range of optimizations relating to maps, navigation and the Zepp Coach page.

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is receiving a new global update: software version 3.16.0.3. This release brings a new running workout to the wearable, as well as a change to the tap-to-wake feature. The company also indicates that it has improved lag in one area and fixed a couple of bugs.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is currently discounted by 38% on Amazon in a limited-time deal, bringing the GPS-enabled smartwatch to just $278.99 — a record-low price. The Instinct 2X Solar features solar charging, for virtually infinite battery life, a variety of onboard workout tracking features, and essential health and wellness metrics.

Garmin has released another hotfix for the recently launched Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. This stable update tackles an issue with false inputs on the wearables’ touchscreen. However, customers have reported a couple of possible new bugs in the brand’s forum.

Beta version 10.18 has arrived for some Garmin smartwatches. This release tackles a range of issues linked to the flashlight, Backcountry Skiing and the Jump Rope activity. Plus, users of the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct E smartwatches also receive a bug fix for a problem with Timer alerts.

Google is just over a month away from officially refreshing the Pixel Watch series with fourth-generation models. In the meantime, various specifications have emerged for the Pixel Watch 4 in two sizes. Not only is better battery life in order this year, but so are much brighter displays too.

The 2-in-1 SuperVOOC cable is a new accessory in the company's portfolio. It comes with a built-in magnetic charger for the OnePlus Watch, and with a USB-C connector on the end, it can charge a smartphone as well. The launch price is $29.99.

Amazfit is pushing an update to the Active 2 (Round) smartwatch. Software version 6.1.20.3 is a relatively minor update, fixing a bug linked to strength workouts. However, it is unclear whether it resolves another issue flagged after the previous update.

When battery life is a priority, the solar-powered Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire is a more appealing deal than its rivals. Reliable fitness and GPS tracking add to the value of this Garmin smartwatch. At a 44% discount, the Fenix 7 Pro is also more durable than similarly priced competitors.

Amazfit’s Bip 6 smartwatch is getting Zepp OS 5.0 with its latest software update. This brings a couple of new features to the wearable, like the ability to adjust the font size. Another arrival is Zepp Flow 2.0, which is accompanied by a new Jet Lag Manager app, though this is not available in all regions yet.

Google is set to launch a new smartwatch alongside the Pixel 10 series. Past reports have hinted at the Watch 4 receiving a battery upgrade, but it seems that the SoC will be the same as the 2nd and 3rd gen models.

A US retailer has suggested that the Balance 2 XT smartwatch could be released in the near future. The wearable appeared at the retailer earlier in July 2025, shortly after the global launch of the Balance 2 smartwatch. Since then, a couple of the specifications on the product page have been amended.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro has surfaced before its official release, as many details about the new smartwatch have now been revealed. While the retail packaging still leaves some questions unanswered regarding some technical specifications, it also shows some changes.

Core Device’s new Pebble app has been spotted at the Google Play Store. It will support the upcoming Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches, as well as several older Pebble wearables. Screenshots of the app reveal some of the watch faces and apps on offer, as well as details of which notifications it will support.

It may have taken over three years, but it seems that Qualcomm is finally preparing a new Snapdragon Wear chipset for future high-end Wear OS smartwatches. Codenamed Aspen, the so-called Snapdragon W6 Gen 1 is set to feature various upgrades over the ageing Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform to deliver superior performance and battery life.

The Zepp App Food Log feature has been improved for users of various Amazfit smartwatches and fitness trackers. The company has recently added the ability to save your favourite food items, a much requested feature. This should make it even easier for Amazfit wearable users to track their daily food intake.

Garmin has released a new update for an older Forerunner smartwatch. Software version 11.03 is another minor update for the wearable, tackling an issue linked to one type of notification. According to a post in the Garmin forum, it is rolling out in phases to the Forerunner 55 and can be downloaded in one of two ways.

The Garmin software version 17.40 update is currently rolling out to users of a Forerunner smartwatch. Following a recent beta, this stable release brings an improvement for pairing alongside three bug fixes. According to the company, the update is already available for at least half of all Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatches.

Early users of the Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch have recently flagged two missing features. On social media, a representative for Zepp Health told customers why BioCharge was not currently widely available. They also explained why the golf mode had been removed for some users.

Googles' latest Pixel drop offers some new features and freebies for Pixel owners, but nothing about it is terribly surprising, and it certainly isn't Material 3.

Garmin has finally officially announced support for Google's Health Connect platform. A service for synchronising data across multiple platforms, Garmin stresses that it cannot draw upon the other data that Health Connect receives.

The Garmin smartwatch software beta version 10.16 is on the way to some users. This over-the-air update is said to resolve a problem with one of the charts displayed on the wearable. Plus, users have recently flagged other issues causing their Instinct 3 smartwatches to crash unexpectedly.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is now official. This new smartwatch comes with a handful of improvements over the predecessor, including a brighter display, thinner chassis, and an "improved" SoC. The starting launch price in the EU is €379.

With the Galaxy Watch 8 series, Samsung has brought back the Classic model. Alongside the signature rotating bezel, the smartwatch has a larger internal storage and higher battery capacity than the standard model.

The Samsung Galaxy Ultra has received a 2025 refresh. This new version of the smartwatch has specs identical to those of the 2024 wearable, but it comes with larger internal storage and sports a new health tracking feature.

Garmin has delivered another new update to its current flagship smartwatches as it works towards delivering finalised v17.xx software. The fourth build distributed this beta period, Beta Version 17.14 brings fresh bug fixes to the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 after Beta Version 17.13 landed last week.

The 43 mm OnePlus Watch 3 is now official. At the core, it's a rebrand of the Oppo Watch X2 mini, and compared to the standard 46 mm variant, OnePlus' new smartwatch is slightly more affordable.

The Google Maps app is now available for many Garmin smartwatches. Listed at the Garmin Connect store, it brings turn-by-turn directions to users while still allowing them to track their chosen activity. However, this new app is currently available for some of Garmin’s customers.

Nothing currently offers a range of smartphones, headphones and smartwatches under its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF, including the CMF Watch Pro 2 released last year. Now, it appears that this intriguing piece of hardware is about to get a successor: the CMF Watch Pro 3.

Samsung has been spotted outlining early launch offers for its next Galaxy Z devices ahead of schedule. While the company will discount the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE in various ways, at least the next Galaxy Z Fold is now expected to be a fair bit more expensive than previous leaks anticipated.

Thanks to a new software update, the feature set of a certain Withings smartwatch has been expanded slightly. To be more precise, ScanWatch 2 users will no longer have to manually start an AFib analysis.

Amazfit’s upcoming Balance 2 XT smartwatch seems to have appeared in the SIRIM database. It follows recent leaks at a US retailer, an FCC filing and an EMVCo-related document. This wearable is rumored to be a premium version of the recently released Balance 2 XT smartwatch.

Huawei is currently rolling out software version 5.0.0.30(C00M04) globally to some of its smartwatch users. This release brings touch protection features for diving and golfing, as well as a new shortcut for contactless payments. Plus, the Watch Ultimate is said to gain improved offline maps with this release.

Various leakers have revealed new details about Samsung's next crop of devices that will be arriving later this week. Not only do the leaks highlight the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8, but they also showcase the advantages of Samsung's new smartwatches and foldables compared with their predecessors.

At $609.99, the discounted Epix Pro Gen 2 reinforces the already rugged Garmin watch with sapphire glass. Advanced fitness and sleep tracking features match or exceed similarly priced, less durable smartwatches. Only the complexity of the Epix Pro Gen 2 might scare away some buyers.

Garmin has delivered another new update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8. Rolling out worldwide now, Beta Version 17.13 contains eleven significant changes for eligible smartwatches as Garmin builds towards delivering a future major stable update later this quarter.

An extensive Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra leak has revealed numerous details about Samsung's next smartwatches before their official release. Arriving July 9, all three are expected to feature the same 3,000-nit AMOLED displays as their predecessors with the same Samsung Exynos W1000 chipset and 2 GB of RAM too.

(Update: More bands leaked) The rumor mill has been comparatively quiet when it comes to the Pixel Watch 4 thus far. While there are Pixel 10 leaks pretty much anywhere, smartwatch fans have had to wait patiently for details on the successors to the Pixel Watch 3. However, a German retailer has now internally listed various different Pixel Watch 4 SKUs and accessories.

Huawei is pushing a new global software update to users of one of its latest smartwatches. While the change log for version 5.1.0.110 does not list any new features, users have reported a new voice recorder tool. The file size indicates that the release could include other new tools and improvements, as was the case in the Chinese version of this Watch 5 update.

Huawei is rolling out a new HarmonyOS 5.1 update for the Watch GT 5 smartwatch. Software version 5.1.0.16 is said to bring a range of new features to this wearable, including a voice recorder tool. Plus, there are also improvements for older tools like the alarm and contacts list.

Huawei is rolling out a new smartwatch update: software version 5.1.0.16 (C00M05). This HarmonyOS 5.1 release brings several new features to the Huawei Watch D2, including a new sleep-related heart rate variability (HRV) metric. While this update is currently on the way to users in China, it is expected to be rolled out globally in the future.

Apple has always advertised a battery life of just 18 hours on its watches, ranging from the first generation Apple Watch all the way up to the current Apple Watch Series 10. The big update to watchOS 26 also does not do anything to increase battery life, but will at least warns users when power consumption is too high.

Rumors suggest that a new Course Planner feature could be released for users of the brand's smartwatches. Said to be coming to the Garmin Connect app, it could be useful for endurance athletes. A report indicates that it will allow users to add cutoff times, rest breaks and notes to their courses.

With the Galaxy Watch8 series on the horizon, a video showcasing some of the design changes that Samsung hopes to showcase next week has appeared online. Already available in beta form, One UI 8 Watch will be coming to Galaxy Watch smartwatches as old as the Galaxy Watch5.

Garmin has started distributing a new stable update for its Instinct E and Instinct 3 smartwatches, including the recent Instinct 3 Tactical. While System Software 9.25 should resolve critical battery mode and BLE sensor issues, Garmin has already raced ahead with Beta Version 10.15 with even more bug fixes and new features.

The Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch has been spotted on a US retailer’s website. This rumored model will join the recently launched standard version of the Balance 2 wearable. The product listing suggests that this could be a smaller watch, and its price may also have been leaked.

OnePlus is the latest Chinese company to be caught between souring Chinese and US relations. According to US lawmakers, OnePlus is transferring 'sensitive personal information and screenshots' to Chinese servers without seeking user consent to do so beforehand.

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is receiving its first software update. Announced in China, the release is said to add new scuba diving and HYROX modes. The update also brings a new safety light, display optimizations and various enhancements for the wearables maps.

Garmin has released beta version 17.40 for one of its Forerunner smartwatches. The change log states that the update improves pairing and also brings a couple of bug fixes to the wearables. According to a Garmin representative, this update is now available for all users of the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch.