Google just shared some big news about Wear OS watch faces, and it’s going to affect Samsung Galaxy Watch users. As of January 14, 2026, older watch faces built with AndroidX or Wearable Support Library (WSL) won’t be supported on Google Play anymore.

Back at I/O 2023, Google and Samsung introduced the Watch Face Format, a new way to create watch faces using XML. It’s simpler for developers, saves battery life, and keeps things secure since there’s no executable code involved.

From January 27, 2025, developers are barred from adding new legacy watch faces to the Play Store. They can still update existing ones until the 2026 cutoff. After January 14, 2026, you won’t be able to download these older watch faces from the Play Store.

While installed faces will remain functional, Wear OS developers won’t be able to release updates, and monetization options like one-off purchases or subscriptions will end, though existing purchases will remain active.

Developers using Watch Face Studio must resubmit watch faces using version 1.8.7 or higher. They should republish for all Play Store tracks and remove older bundles. Google provides resources like guides and samples to assist with the migration process.

Benefits of the Watch Face Format

Watch Face Format was developed to support developers in creating watch faces. This format provides numerous advantages to both developers and end users:

• Simplified development: Streamlined workflows and visual design tools make building watch faces easier.
• Enhanced performance: Optimized for battery efficiency and smooth interactions.
• Increased security: Robust security features protect user data and privacy.
• Forward-compatible: Access to the latest features and capabilities of Wear OS.

For Samsung Galaxy Watch users, it’s a good idea to check your watch faces now. Legacy ones will still work if installed, but you won’t get new ones or updates after January 14, 2026. Keep an eye out for Wear OS 6 news for more customization fun.

If you use a Samsung Galaxy Watch that runs on Wear OS, you’ll soon get earthquake alerts right on your wrist. Google is expanding its Android earthquake alert system to Wear OS smartwatches, which includes Samsung Galaxy Watch models like the Galaxy Watch 7, Watch 6, and Watch 5.

The new feature has been announced with Google Play Services version 25.21. Once it reaches your watch, you’ll receive a warning when an earthquake is expected to cause shaking in your area. The alert will show the magnitude and how far you are from the center of the earthquake.

Samsung Galaxy Watches with cellular connection will especially benefit. Many users go for walks or runs without their phones. Now, even if your phone is at home, your watch can still warn you in time to stay safe.

Image via Android Authority

Google first launched its Android earthquake alert system in 2020. It uses sensor data from millions of Android phones to detect earthquakes quickly. When shaking is detected, the system sends out fast alerts to people nearby, and now, it’s doing the same for smartwatches.

Although Google hasn’t made a big announcement yet, the change was spotted in Google’s Play System update notes. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, make sure your watch is updated with the latest software. The earthquake alert feature will soon be available on Wear OS running Samsung Galaxy Watches.

Samsung is preparing to launch three new flagship smartwatches next month. Ahead of the official reveal, the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic smartwatches’ design and colors have emerged along with Watch Ultra 2/2025.

Folks over at AndroidHeadlines published CAD renders of the Galaxy Watch 8, Classic, and Ultra 2025 that reveal design and colors. Both the Watch 8 models will adopt an Ultra-level design, while the Ultra 2 will get a bold new Blue color.

Renders show that the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Ultra will ditch the all-circular design. Rather, the smartwatches will debut an Ultra-inspired squircle appearance, with the Classic model retaining Samsung’s physical rotating bezel.

The biggest difference between the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic is the thickness of the bezel. The base model features a slim bezel design, while the Classic model features a thick bezel due to its physical rotating functionality.

The Watch 8 will be available in two sizes, including 40mm and 44mm. The Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra 2 would have a single size availability. Note that the Watch 8 models won’t be rugged in reality, unlike the Watch Ultra 2.

On the flip side, the Watch Ultra 2/2025 would be available in a striking Blue colorway. It features a similar design to its predecessor, which was the first Samsung smartwatch to carry a squircle design rather than circular or rectangular.

Samsung is likely to announce the Watch 8 series next month. The Galaxy Unpacked event may be held in early July in New York. At this mega event, Samsung’s new foldable phones, an affordable Flip phone, are slated to steal the spotlight.

Samsung may be preparing to release two new wireless earbuds: the Galaxy Buds Core and the Galaxy Buds 3 FE. These names were found in a recent update to the Galaxy Buds Controller app with version 1.0.08.38 for Wear OS.

The new version of the Galaxy Buds Controller app has listed new model numbers, R410 for Buds Core and R420 for Buds 3 FE. It shows that the company is getting ready to launch two affordable earbuds this time.

However, there is no sign of a Galaxy Buds 2 FE or Buds FE 2, which many people expected as a follow-up to the original Galaxy Buds FE released in 2023. Instead, Samsung might skip that name and go with “Galaxy Buds Core” as the next version.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE looks like a new model that continues the “Fan Edition” line, even though there was no Buds 2 FE in between.

Right now, we don’t know much about what features these new earbuds will have. There are no details yet on sound quality, battery life, or design. However, it’s been almost a year since Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in mid-2024, so it makes sense that new models could be coming soon.

Samsung might show off these earbuds at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, where the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are also expected. For now, we’ll have to wait and see what Samsung has planned.

Samsung’s air conditioners just got smarter with an updated “Good Sleep” mode. Paired with your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, Samsung ACs can now automatically tweak the room’s temperature to help you sleep soundly.

In Korea, Samsung saw air conditioner sales spike during heatwaves, especially after sticky, sleepless nights. Folks were desperate for cooler, comfier sleep. That’s when Samsung rolled out the “Good Sleep” mode to help.

Samsung’s “Good Sleep” mode, combined with the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring, makes better sleep effortless. It adjusts the room’s temperature to match your sleep cycles, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to roll.

This mode adjusts your room’s temperature to match your sleep stages – falling asleep, REM, and three NREM phases. Each 90-minute cycle needs a different temperature to keep you cozy and sleeping without interruptions.

Throughout the night, “Good Sleep” mode tweaks the temperature three times on average. It alternates between REM and NREM stages. By morning, it maintains a higher temperature with gentle airflow for a refreshing wake-up.

With a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, “Good Sleep” mode activates automatically when you start falling asleep. If the air conditioner is off, it turns on. If the air conditioner is on, it adjusts to the ideal temperature.

It’s worth noting that the Korean tech giant first tried linking wearables to ACs in 2018, but the tech was not ready. By 2023, with more people wearing smart devices to bed, they perfected it for seamless sleep control.

How to use Good Sleep

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch or Ring users can enable “Good Sleep” mode in the air conditioner’s settings. Once set, the wearable detects sleep onset and triggers the air conditioner automatically for hassle-free comfort.