Samsung has officially announced the end of Tizen Galaxy Watch support, closing the final chapter on its long-running wearable operating system. For years, Tizen powered many of Samsung?s most popular smartwatches, giving users access to custom apps, watch faces, and health tools. But as Samsung fully embraces Wear OS across its latest Galaxy Watch lineup, support for Tizen is being phased out permanently.
This shift is more than just a software change. For owners of older Galaxy Watches, it means losing access to essential features that once defined their smartwatch experience. App downloads, updates, and even previously purchased content will soon be unavailable.
What?s the Shutdown Timeline?
Samsung is rolling out the Tizen shutdown in phases, giving users some time to prepare, but the final deadline is approaching fast. Here’s how the timeline breaks down:
- Phase 1 (Completed): Paid content was removed from the Galaxy Store in late 2024. Users could no longer purchase paid apps or watch faces for their Tizen-powered Galaxy Watches.
- Phase 2 (By May 2025): Free content will no longer be available for download. This includes all free apps and watch faces, even those you’ve previously added to your watch.
- Phase 3 (Final Cutoff ? September 30, 2025): After this date, users will not be able to re-download any content even from their own ?My Apps? list. Once deleted, it?s gone for good.
This timeline marks the full end of Tizen watch support, affecting how users interact with their devices and what they can do with them moving forward.
Which Samsung Watches Are Affected?
All Samsung smartwatches that were released with Tizen OS fall under this phase-out. That includes several generations of popular models, many of which are still in active use today. Here’s a general breakdown of the Galaxy Watch discontinued list:
- Galaxy Watch (1st Gen)
- Galaxy Watch Active
- Galaxy Watch Active2
- Galaxy Watch3
- Gear S, Gear S2, Gear S3
- Gear Sport
- Galaxy Gear and Gear 2
If your device isn?t running Wear OS (like the Galaxy Watch4, Watch5, or Watch6), it?s part of the affected group. While the hardware may still function for basic timekeeping and fitness tracking, key features will slowly fade as Samsung watch support for these models disappears.
What Does This Mean for Users?
Losing access to apps, content, and software updates fundamentally changes the value of a smartwatch. For users who?ve customized their Tizen watches with specific tools or designs, the end of Galaxy Watch app support can feel like a huge step backward.
Here?s what to expect:
- No new downloads: Once the shutdown is complete, you won?t be able to install new apps or watch faces.
- No re-downloads: Even content you paid for or previously installed won?t be retrievable after the deadline.
- Reduced functionality: Without access to the Galaxy Store or updates, your device will be locked into its current state no bug fixes, security patches, or new features.
- Risk of permanent loss: Accidentally uninstalling an app or resetting your watch could result in permanent loss of access to your content.
In short, the watch will still tell time, but its ?smart? capabilities will be frozen in time.
What Can You Do Now?
As Tizen Galaxy Watch support winds down, Samsung recommends users take specific steps to protect their experience or consider upgrading. Here are a few smart moves to make before the final cutoff:
- Download and save any apps or watch faces you want to keep. After May 2025, nothing new can be added.
- Avoid deleting apps or resetting your watch unless necessary.
- Backup your settings, if your device supports it, to preserve customization.
- Consider upgrading to a newer Wear OS-powered Galaxy Watch, such as the Watch4, Watch5, or Watch6, which continue to receive full support and new features.
Samsung may also offer trade-in options or upgrade incentives, so it?s worth checking your Samsung account or store app for any personalized offers.
Why Samsung Is Ending Tizen Watch Support?
This move isn?t surprising. Samsung has been transitioning its smartwatches to Wear OS since the Galaxy Watch4. Partnering with Google allowed them to offer a richer app ecosystem, better third-party support, and more consistent updates across devices.
Tizen, while innovative in its day, lacked the developer engagement needed to compete long-term. Ending Tizen watch support helps Samsung streamline its wearable offerings, focus development resources, and maintain feature parity across its entire lineup. For users, this means fewer compatibility issues in the future, but it also means saying goodbye to the ecosystem they?ve been using for years.
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