Wearables 5 November 2025 - 5 February 2026

Rivian’s Apple Watch app for R1 EVs nears launch with digital key, climate and charging controls
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Rivian’s Apple Watch app for R1 EVs nears launch with digital key, climate and charging controls

Rivian is developing an Apple Watch app to let drivers lock, unlock, adjust climate, and set charging targets from their wrist, with support for R1 models dating back to 2021. The app will require Rivian’s iOS app version 3.9, which is not yet available. The same update is expected to add clearer cold-weather range prompts and drive-mode tweaks.
February 10, 2026
Apple Watch’s new watchOS 26 “wrist flick” trick can silence calls and clear alerts fast
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Apple Watch’s new watchOS 26 “wrist flick” trick can silence calls and clear alerts fast

Apple’s watchOS 26 adds a “wrist flick” gesture to dismiss notifications, calls, timers, and alarms without touching the screen. The feature works on Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, SE 3, and newer, but requires an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26. Apple says the gesture uses motion sensors and machine learning to detect movement. The wrist flick can be toggled in settings and won’t work when Water Lock is active.
February 5, 2026
Garmin Connect iOS bug fix rolls out after watches stop syncing — but not everyone is back online
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Garmin Connect iOS bug fix rolls out after watches stop syncing — but not everyone is back online

Garmin released iOS app version 5.21.1 to fix watch-to-phone syncing issues affecting Fenix 8, Venu 4, and Forerunner 970 users. Some devices still fail to connect after the update, with users reporting missing watches in the app and lost features like Garmin Pay. Garmin advises re-pairing devices, which deletes wallet data. Android users are unaffected.
February 1, 2026
Amazfit adds 20 new Mini Apps and Zepp 10 badges in software push for smartwatch users
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Amazfit adds 20 new Mini Apps and Zepp 10 badges in software push for smartwatch users

Zepp Health has launched around 20 new Mini Apps for Amazfit smartwatches, expanding the Zepp ecosystem to over 400 apps. The update adds tools for training, health, travel, and nutrition, including a Food Log, Biometric Anomaly Detector, and GRun for Amazfit. The Zepp app on iOS now features a new “Badges” tab and a redesigned home screen; Android support is expected soon.
January 31, 2026
Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features
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Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features

Google is adding emoji reactions and a “Mark as Read” option to its Messages app on Wear OS smartwatches, according to details from an APK teardown. Users will be able to react to texts and manage read status directly from their watch, without needing a phone. The update targets improved message handling for Wear OS, which has lagged behind rivals like Apple’s watchOS.
January 28, 2026
Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light
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Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light

Apple has launched hypertension notifications for Apple Watch users in Australia, following approval by the national medical device regulator in December. The feature, available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, analyzes heart sensor data and alerts users to possible high blood pressure. It does not provide a diagnosis or blood pressure readings. Doctors caution alerts should be confirmed with medical professionals.
January 28, 2026
Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot
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Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot

Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin, similar in size to an AirTag, with a possible launch in 2027, The Information reported. The project remains in early stages and could be canceled. The report comes as Apple works on a major Siri upgrade using Google’s Gemini AI models. Apple has not commented on the device or the Siri update.
January 23, 2026
Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone
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Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone

Google is developing a Pixel Watch feature that notifies users if they leave their paired phone behind, code discovered by Android Authority shows. The update may also lock the phone when the connection drops. There is no confirmed release date, and device compatibility remains unclear. The feature would mirror separation alerts already offered by Apple and Samsung.
January 16, 2026
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra drops to $329.99 as Woot and Samsung UK push fresh deals
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra drops to $329.99 as Woot and Samsung UK push fresh deals

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) dropped to $329.99 on Woot, nearly half its U.S. retail price, for the international 47mm LTE model with a 90-day warranty. Samsung’s UK site is offering £120 off the same watch plus up to £70 trade-in credit, with deals valid into March. The U.S. Samsung store lists the Ultra at $529.99. Other Galaxy Watch models are also discounted.
January 15, 2026
Apple Watch’s Hidden Lifesaver: All the Safety Features That Could Save Your Life
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Apple Watch’s Hidden Lifesaver: All the Safety Features That Could Save Your Life

Apple Watch’s new Check In feature now alerts contacts if you don’t reach your destination or finish an activity as expected. Emergency SOS and Crash Detection can automatically call emergency services and share your location after a fall or car accident. Medical ID displays health details for first responders on the lock screen. Fall Detection is enabled by default for users 55 and older.
November 5, 2025