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The update in this headline was a January 2025 rollout, not a newly confirmed update. On January 15, 2025, Samsung was reported to be distributing minor firmware updates for the first-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Galaxy Watch 6. The listed changes were general stability and reliability improvements—not a major feature release. Availability and build numbers can vary by region and watch variant.
Models and reported firmware builds
The January 2025 report listed four models and these firmware versions:
| Watch | Reported firmware |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra (first generation) | L705NKOU1AXL6 |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | L310XXU1AXL1 |
| Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | R960XXU1BXL2 |
| Galaxy Watch 6 | R940XXU1BXL2 |
These are the builds cited in Droid Life’s January 15, 2025 report, not guaranteed universal identifiers. LTE and Bluetooth editions, carrier variants and regional firmware can differ. Treat the version shown on your own watch as authoritative for that device.
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What changed—and what did not
The reported changelog was limited to stability and reliability improvements. The coverage did not identify a major new feature, interface redesign or Wear OS version change. It also said that no new security patch appeared to be included; that is the report’s interpretation of the available changelog, not a Samsung security-bulletin confirmation.
#1 Best Overall
- 47mm - 1.5" Super AMOLED, 480x480px, 590mAh Battery, MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68/10ATM 100m water resistant, ECG certified
- 64GB, 2GB RAM, Exynos W1000 (3nm), Penta-core, Mali-G68 GPU, Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 8 with AI Assistant
- Unlock your full potential with Galaxy AI: Track and improve your fitness performance, monitor heart health with precision, get personalized wellness tips, optimize your sleep for better health, stay connected with smart replies, and enjoy music or podcasts on the go—all from your Galaxy Watch.
- Compatible with Android devices Only. Supports Google Pay. 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/40/66/71 - eSIM.
- International Model - No Warranty. 100% Unlocked but Most US carriers may not allow International models. Will still work as Bluetooth Watch. Works outside US with all carriers. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
This release should not be confused with the earlier One UI 6 Watch beta. In July 2024, the Galaxy Watch 6 received a beta build in the U.S. and South Korea, as Android Authority reported. A beta rollout and the January 2025 maintenance firmware are separate events, with different builds and changelogs.
How to check for an update
On a paired Android phone, open Galaxy Wearable → Watch settings → Watch software update → Download and install. Follow the prompts if an update is offered. Depending on the watch and software version, the menu may instead appear under About watch or be labeled Update watch software.
Rank #2
- YOUR TRAIL GUIDE ON YOUR WRIST: Navigate challenging trails on your run with path, elevation and pace guidance on your Galaxy Watch Ultra2¹. The smart watch gives you personalized hydration alerts² along the way so you can run and feel your best.
- ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Get an easy-to-understand view of your overall heart health³ with a single personalized score⁴ and guidance, so you can avoid the guesswork.
- INSTANT AI ASSISTANCE. NO SLOWING DOWN: Every second can be crucial when you're outdoors. With Galaxy Watch Ultra2, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁵—no wake phrase needed, no slowing down.
- GREAT DURABILITY FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS: From rugged trails to under water, take this fitness watch anywhere as your dependable adventure partner. IP69K and 10ATM rated, it’s dust-tight⁶ and water resistant⁷ up to 100m so you can take on any challenge.
- YOUR BODY SPEAKS. LISTEN WITH VITALS: Understand your body better with Vitals⁹–it’s built to track 5 different health metrics while you sleep, catch shifts from your usual patterns, and also provide tailored guidance based on the insights.⁸
You can also check on the watch: open Settings → Software update. Samsung’s update instructions note that screens and labels vary by device and software. Galaxy Watch models running Wear OS require a compatible Android-phone setup for normal pairing and use; see Samsung’s compatibility guidance.
Before you install
- Charge the watch first. Samsung says some watches require at least 30% battery to start an update.
- If updating through Galaxy Wearable, keep the watch near the phone and connected by Bluetooth.
- Use a reliable network connection and allow time for the download, installation and restart.
- Do not interrupt the watch while it is installing or rebooting. A progress indicator, rotating animation or exclamation mark can appear, and the watch may disconnect temporarily.
Samsung describes these steps and update indicators in its official update guide. If the update is offered and you have time to let it finish, the reported stability and reliability improvements are the main reason to install it. It is reasonable to wait until after a workout or travel if you need the watch uninterrupted.
Rank #3
- 47mm - 1.5" Super AMOLED, 480x480px, 590mAh Battery, MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68/10ATM 100m water resistant, ECG certified
- 64GB, 2GB RAM, Exynos W1000 (3nm), Penta-core, Mali-G68 GPU, Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 8 with AI Assistant
- Unlock your full potential with Galaxy AI: Track and improve your fitness performance, monitor heart health with precision, get personalized wellness tips, optimize your sleep for better health, stay connected with smart replies, and enjoy music or podcasts on the go—all from your Galaxy Watch.
- Compatible with Android devices Only. Supports Google Pay. 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/40/66/71 - eSIM.
- International Model - No Warranty. 100% Unlocked but Most US carriers may not allow International models. Will still work as Bluetooth Watch. Works outside US with all carriers. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
If the update is not listed or fails
A missing update does not by itself mean your watch is unsupported. The rollout may be staged or region-specific; your carrier or LTE/Bluetooth variant may use a different build; the watch may already have newer software; or the phone app or watch plugin may need updating. Samsung also cautions that update options vary by model and software version.
- Restart the watch and phone.
- Update Galaxy Wearable from Google Play, and install any offered watch-plugin update.
- Confirm the watch is connected to the phone over Bluetooth and that a network connection is available.
- Check again in Galaxy Wearable → Watch settings → Watch software update.
- Check directly on the watch under Settings → Software update.
If a download fails, charge the watch and try again on a stable connection. Samsung’s update troubleshooting guidance covers connection and installation problems. Avoid a factory reset as an early troubleshooting step.
Rank #4
- WHY GALAXY WATCH ULTRA: Longest-lasting battery yet.¹* Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* Personalized Running Coach.* Durable titanium casing.* 10ATM Water Resistance.⁹* Dual-frequency GPS.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁶*
- A BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: Have the confidence to adventure off-grid with a battery that can keep up with you. Galaxy Watch Ultra features our longest-lasting battery yet,¹ so you can go to the extreme for days on end without needing to recharge.
- YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS THE NIGHT BEFORE: Fuel tomorrow’s performance with a great night’s sleep, thanks to Advanced Sleep Coaching² - now improved with even more ways to help you sleep smarter.
- BUILT FOR THE LONG RUN: Whether you’re on a trail or a track, unleash the winning runner within using Running Coach³ on Galaxy Watch Ultra. It analyzes factors⁴ such as your age, weight, oxygen levels and heart rate to guide you through your run.
- UPDATES THAT GIVE YOU THE EDGE: Navigate the wild more easily with Now Bar⁵ and an improved user experience. Now Bar conveniently puts the info you use the most - like weather, timers, directions and more - right on your main Watch screen.
If the watch freezes or acts up afterward
If the screen is unresponsive, first allow any active progress indicator time to finish. If the watch remains frozen, Samsung’s force-restart guidance says to hold the Home/Power and Back buttons together until “Rebooting…” appears.
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If crashes or boot problems continue, restart the watch, update Galaxy Wearable and watch apps, and consider removing a recently installed third-party app if symptoms began after installing it. Back up important data before considering a factory reset: a reset erases data. Samsung notes that an LTE watch activated with a carrier QR code may need a new code from the carrier after a reset. If the watch remains stuck or is damaged, contact Samsung wearable support.
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