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RealWear Firmware Update and Support Policy

Overview

RealWear‘s commitment is to keep all supported devices secure according to the established best practices for enterprise mobile devices, by providing firmware updates at least once per year that include security patches, bug fixes and new features; secondarily, larger updates from one base AOSP version to another will be scheduled once every 3 years. (insofar as the hardware allows for it).

Note: RealWear plans to bring all currently supported device to an OS based off of Android 16 in 2026

Currently supported devices (through to December 2030 at least) :

  • RealWear Navigator 500
  • RealWear Navigator 520
  • RealWear Navigator Z1
  • RealWear Arc 3

Note: RealWear HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1 are now End-of-Life and will not receive any further firmware updates beyond v12.6

Firmware updates will include security patches for Android Open Source Project (AOSP) released by Google, as well as patches for RealWear-specific feature updates and bug fixes. RealWear will additionally provide security and other updates as they become available from third-parties such as Google, all in accordance with RealWear’s firmware release schedule set forth in this firmware policy.

RealWear does not provide security patches for older firmware versions. Therefore, all RealWear devices need to be updated to the most recent firmware versions that incorporate the most recent security updates. Today there are many firmware versions installed across the population of RealWear devices, all of which are only eligible to receive security updates by upgrading to the latest version.

RealWear can assist you in upgrading to the current version of firmware but cannot troubleshoot issues on older versions.

The upgrade path for all generally available firmware is available by default to all devices. If you have questions about what firmware are generally available, please consult RealWear’s knowledge center.

Firmware release life cycle:

  • RealWear will provide 30 days notice of a new firmware release. The notice will will be delivered to existing RealWear Cloud customer contacts and partners via email. Starting from that point, customers can opt in for testing the release via the "Early Access" option described in the release page.
  • A reminder will be sent before the firmware release is promoted to General Availability.

Firmware Upgrade Policy FAQs

Q: How do I know other series won't get discontinued support like the HMTs?

RealWear maintains a close relationship with all end users and, as such, treats decisions such as discontinuing a device series with great care. For all currently supported devices, we guarantee support until at least 2029. We make these decisions only after thoroughly consulting our end customers and partners, and we are committed to communicating them as clearly as possible. Our goal is to focus our efforts on delivering and improving our latest and most advanced solutions for our customers.

Q: Will the updates get forced to my RealWear devices?

No, once an upgrade is available to a device, users must still go into the Wireless Update application on their RealWear device to upgrade or visit RealWear Cloud and Schedule the update to devices.

For Arc 3s, a secondary path of OS upgrade is available via a new software system. A simple on-screen pop-up will appear when a new update is available, asking the user to confirm the start of the installation process or "Install Later".

Q: I’m not ready for an update, what should I do?

You can delay your update by 30 days after the release general availability date. Contact RealWear support and be ready with an excel document that contains your device serial numbers for which you would like the firmware upgrade to be delayed.

Q: I’d like to delay receiving firmware updates beyond 30 days, what should I do?

RealWear strongly advises against failing to update your devices because of the potential security risks. We will work with you to make upgrading as easy as possible and have device updates occur at a convenient time for you. RealWear will also send you regular reminders to update your devices.

Q: What are some best practices to plan for and manage firmware updates?

  • Read the product brief when it comes out a month before firmware general availability
  • Sign up for Early Access if you’d like to test the firmware before General Availability
  • Discuss firmware specific training services with our Customer Training and Success team
  • Plan for the new release with your chosen application software partner(s)
  • Contact RealWear Support about any additional concerns

Q: How can I participate in firmware early access?

Full details on how to participate in early access will also be outlined in the product brief.

Q: What does firmware end of support mean?

End of support means that, without updating to a supported firmware version, you cannot receive support from RealWear. When contacting RealWear support or any of your dedicated contacts, you will be asked to first upgrade to a supported version.

Q: Who should I talk to about upgrading my firmware?

RealWear as a company is committed to helping you upgrade your firmware. You may reach out to RealWear Support, any of your dedicated RealWear contacts or leverage the content in the RealWear Knowledge Center to get assistance upgrading.