Details emerge of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch running Wear OS

By Derrek Lee
published

Galaxy Watch 3 on AC's Joe Maring
Galaxy Watch 3 on AC's Joe Maring (Image credit: Hayato Huseman / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • The Galaxy Wearable app has hidden references to Samsung's next Galaxy Watch.
  • There will reportedly be two models with different case sizes and LTE connectivity.
  • The new Galaxy Watch models will reportedly run Wear OS.

Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app is proving to be increasingly useful outside of its core functions. Just yesterday, references to a new pair of Galaxy Buds were found within the app's code, suggesting that we could get a direct sequel to Samsung's original pair. Another look into the app has given some insight into another wearable, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 running Wear OS.

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Max Weinbach discovered references to what he believes are Samsung's upcoming smartwatches. The Samsung Wearable app mentions "merlot," which was thought to be the codename for one of the new smartwatches but apparently could refer to the chip powering the watches. It's unknown what that chipset will be, but knowing Samsung, we can probably expect the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, which hasn't quite hit the ground running since its debut early last year, only powering the Mobvoi TicWatch 3 GPS.

Weinbach also points out "newos," likely a direct reference to the change from Tizen to Wear OS, which has been rumored for Samsung's upcoming smartwatches. There will apparently be different sizes for the new Watch and Watch Active, 40/41mm and 44/45mm, respectively, and both will have Bluetooth and LTE models.

The release for the next Galaxy Watch and Watch Active is anyone's guess. Still, the nature of the leaks suggests we may not have to wait too long before Samsung launches the follow-up to the best Android smartwatches, which could come alongside the upcoming Galaxy Buds 2.

Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
News Editor

Derrek is a long-time Nokia and LG fanboy who loves astronomy, videography, and sci-fi movies. When he's not working, he's most likely working out or smoldering at the camera.

5 Comments
  • Yeah, I'll probably buy this. What makes you think it'll be snapdragon and not Exynos?
  • Moving from Tizen to wearOS would be an absolutely rettarded move. So, absolutely in line with Samsung's decisions since TM Roh took over from DJ Koh. Who on their right mind would willingly buy a smartwatch running the absolute dumpster fire that is the artist formerly known as Android Wear? Only someone who never tried it for sure. Those of us who have, swear to never repeat the mistake again.
  • I find it interesting that Wear OS is so horrible. I've not used it so I can't speak for myself. However, I do have a Galaxy Watch 3 and previously had a Galaxy Watch. I have to say, I really have no complaints with Tizen. It seems like a pretty awesome OS for a watch as far as I am concerned. Why on earth would they choose to switch to an inferior OS? Makes absolutely no sense.
  • Well I've had several Apple Watches, Wear OS watches and currently use the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Watch 3 and I'd still say WearOS is the best of the lot. I can't wait for WearOS on a Galaxy Watch. The best hardware with the best software and Samsungs involvement will only push the development and improvement of WearOS forward. Google Pay, Maps and Assistant are 3 services that'll instantly improve the watch for starters
  • I've got the Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS and had the Galaxy Watch as its predecessor. The Ticwatch is much better, only thing I miss is the rotating bezel.
    Previous hardware did WearOS no favours granted but the SD4100 makes it a much better fit to WearOS than previous ancient chips. My girlfriend still uses the Samsung (ironically with her iPhone as its better than her Apple Watch was) and Im getting double the battery life with much more functionality in use.