Wearables 5 November 2025 - 7 May 2026

Huawei’s €299 Watch Fit 5 Pro Lands in Germany as a Garmin Rival With One Clear Catch
····

Huawei’s €299 Watch Fit 5 Pro Lands in Germany as a Garmin Rival With One Clear Catch

Huawei’s Watch Fit 5 Pro is now up for grabs in Germany, priced at 299 euros. The square-faced Fit series edges closer to the sports-watch category this time, packing in a larger display and expanded health features, plus cycling functions that used to show up only on more expensive Huawei devices. For those looking at the standard model, the Watch Fit 5 is listed from 199 euros. The launch lands right as Huawei ramps up advanced training tools in a price range still dominated by Garmin for running and cycling. Computer Bild described the Watch Fit 5 Pro as a possible challenger to Garmin but pointed out the device isn’t without its trade-offs.
May 8, 2026
Google’s $99 Fitbit Air Takes Aim At Whoop As Fitbit App Gets Replaced
·····

Google’s $99 Fitbit Air Takes Aim At Whoop As Fitbit App Gets Replaced

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, May 7, 2026, 08:10 Google kicked off pre-orders Thursday for the Fitbit Air, a new screenless fitness tracker carrying a $99.99 price tag. The company also announced plans to rebrand the Fitbit app as Google Health, signaling a bigger move toward an AI-focused health platform. The Air lands in U.S. stores May 26; users will see the app transition starting May 19.
May 7, 2026
Garmin smartwatch problems deepen as Forerunner 27.09 bugs and iPhone sync failures stir fresh backlash
···

Garmin smartwatch problems deepen as Forerunner 27.09 bugs and iPhone sync failures stir fresh backlash

April 15, 2026, 13:34 CDT—Olathe, Kansas. Garmin is back in the spotlight this week as Forerunner users vent about lingering software headaches—months after first flagging sensor glitches. Complaints stack up: heart-rate, altitude, sleep metrics all showing erratic behavior, according to owners. iPhone users, on top of that, are still battling sync hiccups. It’s these core features runners count on for training that aren’t delivering, by the latest round of user reports.
April 15, 2026
Apple Tests Four Smart Glasses Designs as 2027 Meta Ray-Ban Rival Comes Into View
·····

Apple Tests Four Smart Glasses Designs as 2027 Meta Ray-Ban Rival Comes Into View

Cupertino, California, April 13, 2026, 04:09 PDT. Apple is evaluating four different frame designs for its debut smart glasses, aiming to roll out a more lightweight wearable as it sets its sights on Meta’s Ray-Ban lineup, according to Bloomberg on Sunday. The company could announce the new device as soon as late 2026 or in early 2027, the report said. Sales are reportedly targeted for 2027.
April 13, 2026
Rivian’s Apple Watch app for R1 EVs nears launch with digital key, climate and charging controls
····

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

Rivian is working on an Apple Watch app that enables drivers to lock and unlock their vehicles, tweak cabin settings, and set charging goals—all from their wrist, according to recent reports and snippets from release notes. This shift is crucial as the battle over EVs is turning into a software showdown. Automakers now push frequent updates to roll out new features post-sale, and these small tweaks often have a bigger impact on daily driving than a fresh trim level.
February 10, 2026
Garmin Connect iOS bug fix rolls out after watches stop syncing — but not everyone is back online
···

Garmin Connect iOS bug fix rolls out after watches stop syncing — but not everyone is back online

Garmin is rolling out an updated Garmin Connect iOS app to tackle watch-to-phone syncing issues users faced after recent updates. Version 5.21.1 includes the fix, though some might need to re-pair their devices to restore full functionality. This disruption hits hard because Garmin Connect is the crucial link for moving workouts, health stats, and settings from the watch to the phone. When Bluetooth pairing between the devices fails, data transfer stops cold, and the watch quickly loses the essential features users depend on.
February 1, 2026
Amazfit adds 20 new Mini Apps and Zepp 10 badges in software push for smartwatch users
···

Amazfit adds 20 new Mini Apps and Zepp 10 badges in software push for smartwatch users

Zepp Health is launching a new set of “Mini Apps” for its Amazfit smartwatches. These lightweight apps operate right on the watch and users can install them through the Zepp platform. https://basic-tutorials.com/news/amazfit-brings-new-mini-apps-to-smartwatches-and-significantly-expands-the-range-of-functions/ This change matters because smartwatch brands are leaning more on software to keep users tied to their platforms. Apple and Garmin, for example, are pushing harder into training analytics and health features. Improving apps and interfaces helps stretch the life of existing devices, which can be a cheaper option than launching new hardware.
January 31, 2026
Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features
···

Google Messages Enhances Wear OS with Emoji Reactions and “Mark as Read” Features

San Francisco, January 28, 2026, 11:00 — Google is rolling out new updates to its Messages app for Wear OS, offering users more control and interactivity when texting directly from their smartwatches. The latest changes, revealed through an APK teardown, include the ability to react to messages with emojis and mark messages as read directly from the watch interface. The new features aim to enhance the smartwatch experience, addressing a key pain point for users of Wear OS who previously faced difficulties managing messages. Reacting to texts with emojis, such as thumbs up, heart, or laughter, will allow for more immediate communication without needing to access a smartphone. Additionally, the “mark as read” function will streamline message management, offering users
January 28, 2026
Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light
···

Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light

Sydney, 28 January 2026, 22:00 GMT+11 Apple has activated hypertension notifications for Apple Watch users in Australia, introducing a feature that detects potential signs of chronic high blood pressure. This alert works on Apple Watch Series 9 and newer, including Apple Watch Ultra 2 and above, by analyzing data from the watch’s optical heart sensor over 30-day periods. The system leverages machine learning, trained on information from over 100,000 participants, and its accuracy was confirmed in a clinical study involving more than 2,000 people.
January 28, 2026
Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot
···

Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot

Apple is working on an AI-powered wearable pin about the size of its AirTag tracker, with a potential launch as early as 2027, The Information reported. https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-developing-ai-wearable-pin The report comes as Apple ramps up its AI efforts, planning to transform Siri into a chatbot by the end of this year, Bloomberg News revealed in a piece picked up by Reuters. Apple hasn’t responded yet to Reuters’ request for comment on the story. https://www.reuters.com/business/apple-revamp-siri-built-in-chatbot-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-01-21/
January 23, 2026
Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone
···

Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone

Alphabet’s Google is developing a Pixel Watch feature designed to notify users if they leave their phone behind, according to an Android Authority report citing new strings discovered in a system app. The code also hints that the phone might automatically lock when it loses connection. If it rolls out, this update aims at a simple frustration that can quickly become a security risk: a smartwatch can operate independently for certain functions, yet a phone sitting unattended remains vulnerable. Google is stepping up efforts to better integrate its devices, as Apple and Samsung continue refining their seamless “it just works” experiences.
January 16, 2026
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra drops to $329.99 as Woot and Samsung UK push fresh deals
····

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra drops to $329.99 as Woot and Samsung UK push fresh deals

Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Watch Ultra has dropped to $329.99 on Woot, slashing nearly 50% off its original $649.99 price tag. This steep discount applies to an international model—meant for markets outside the U.S.—and comes with a 90-day warranty from the retailer. Buyers can snag up to two units each. Smartwatch makers and retailers are ramping up discounts early in the year, trying to boost sales as demand typically dips after the holiday rush. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series is battling closely with Apple’s Watch lineup at the premium end, while also competing with Google’s Pixel Watch for the Android audience.
January 15, 2026
Apple Watch update alert: Apple rolls out watchOS 26.3 Public Beta 2 — what changes for users
···

Apple Watch update alert: Apple rolls out watchOS 26.3 Public Beta 2 — what changes for users

CUPERTINO, California, Jan 15, 2026, 12:02 Apple has rolled out the second public beta of watchOS 26.3 for Apple Watch testers, continuing a software update wave across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. This batch of public betas also introduces an iPhone feature in the European Union that allows users to forward notifications to non-Apple wearables, which could chip away at the Apple Watch’s edge in that region.
January 15, 2026
Apple Watch’s Hidden Lifesaver: All the Safety Features That Could Save Your Life
···

Apple Watch’s Hidden Lifesaver: All the Safety Features That Could Save Your Life

Apple’s latest hidden feature, Check In, is like a guardian angel for your solo outings. What is Check In? It’s essentially an automated safety notification system that can keep your friends or family informed of your status when you’re out and about. Originally launched in 2023 for iPhone’s Messages app, Apple brought Check In to Apple Watch in 2024 with watchOS 11, and significantly enhanced it in the 2025 watchOS 26 update tomsguide.com. Tech writer Dan Bracaglia calls it “Apple’s best hidden safety feature” and notes that “Check Ins can automatically keep loved ones apprised of your whereabouts… perfect for folks who enjoy late-night walks or runs and/or those who simply enjoy venturing out solo.” tomsguide.com How it works: You
November 5, 2025