Huawei’s premium smartwatch, the Watch Ultimate, is receiving a significant firmware update this week, bringing a suite of improvements to its already impressive feature set. The update, rolling out globally, focuses on enhancing GPS accuracy, extending battery life, and introducing new workout modes—a move that solidifies the device’s reputation as a top-tier wearable for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
One of the standout upgrades is the refined dual-band GPS system, which now promises faster signal acquisition and improved tracking precision in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. Users hiking, cycling, or exploring off-grid trails should notice fewer discrepancies in route mapping. Battery life, a critical factor for long-term wearables usability, has also seen a boost. Huawei claims the update optimizes power consumption, stretching the Watch Ultimate’s endurance from 14 days to up to 16 days on a single charge under typical usage.
For fitness buffs, three new workout modes have been added: trail running, open-water swimming, and mountain climbing. These additions cater to niche athletic communities, offering tailored metrics such as stroke rate detection for swimmers and altitude-adjusted calorie tracking for climbers. Early adopters on forums have praised the update for its responsiveness, with one user noting, “The interface feels snappier, and GPS locks on almost instantly compared to before.”
However, not all user expectations have been met. As highlighted in a recent report, the update still lacks support for NFC-based payment solutions like Huawei Pay—a feature competitors like Garmin and Apple have offered for years. This omission continues to frustrate users hoping for a truly contactless experience, especially during workouts or travel when carrying a phone isn’t practical.
Huawei has acknowledged the feedback, stating that NFC Pay integration remains “under active consideration” for future updates. For now, the company seems focused on refining core functionalities. “Our priority is ensuring the Watch Ultimate delivers unmatched reliability in performance and health tracking,” a Huawei spokesperson shared. “We’re listening closely to our community and will evolve the device accordingly.”
The firmware update is available now via the Huawei Health app. Users are advised to ensure their watch has at least 50% battery and a stable Bluetooth connection before installing. With these upgrades, the Watch Ultimate strengthens its position in the luxury smartwatch segment—even as the absence of NFC Pay leaves room for rivals to capitalize.
Will Huawei address the NFC gap in its next update? For now, the spotlight remains on its relentless hardware optimization. As one Reddit user quipped, “It’s like getting a turbocharged engine but forgetting the key fob. Still, what’s here is pretty stellar.”
Image credit: Huawei
