According to SamMobile, the One UI 8 Watch update has now started rolling out to the Galaxy Watch 5 in Europe, following its initial limited release a week ago. The update, carrying version number DYK4 and the October 2025 security patch, is a massive 1.8GB download. It’s available for both the Wi-Fi and LTE variants of the watch. Samsung warns the installation process is relatively slow and could take over 10 minutes. They recommend having your watch charged to at least 50% before starting. If you haven’t gotten the update notification yet, you can manually trigger it through the Galaxy Wearable app on your connected phone.
Update Pace and Watch Lifecycle
Here’s the thing: this rollout really highlights where the Galaxy Watch 5 sits in Samsung’s lineup now. It’s not the newest kid on the block anymore, but it’s still getting this major software overhaul. That’s a good sign for support longevity, but the note about it “no longer being the fastest” smartwatch from Samsung is telling. The update is huge and slow, which probably tests the limits of the older hardware. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? How many more of these giant annual updates can it handle before things start to feel sluggish in daily use?
The Waiting Game and Manual Checks
So your watch hasn’t pinged you about the update yet. Don’t sweat it. These staged rollouts are always a patience game, meant to catch any catastrophic bugs before hitting everyone. The good news is you don’t have to just wait. SamMobile points out you can manually check via the Galaxy Wearable app: just go to Watch Settings > Watch software update > Download and install. It’s a simple trick that often works. Just make sure you’ve got the time and battery to spare for that big 1.8GB download and install. Basically, plan it for when you’re not planning to use the watch for a bit.
Is It Worth The Upgrade Hype?
The source says the wait “should be well worth it,” which is the standard line for any big update. But what does that actually mean for Watch 5 owners? We’re talking about a foundational software layer change. It’s not just a few new watch faces. These updates typically bring under-the-hood improvements to battery management, smoother animations, and new health platform integrations that trickle down from the newer models. For a device that’s a couple of generations old now, getting this level of software attention is arguably more valuable than for a brand-new watch. It’s a substantial refresh that can make an older piece of hardware feel new again. That’s a win, even if the install is a slow one.
