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| The Huawei Watch GT 6 (Pro pictured) is receiving a new virtual cadence feature. |
If you’re a proud owner of Huawei’s latest wearable, there’s some exciting news on the horizon. Huawei has begun the global rollout of a significant new firmware update for its flagship Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro models. Released in Europe just a few months ago in September 2025, these watches are already receiving their first major feature boost, proving Huawei’s commitment to supporting its devices long after launch.
Update 6.0.0.173: What’s New?
The software version 6.0.0.173 is hitting devices now, and it packs a punch for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users alike. The headline act is a brand-new real-time virtual cadence feature. Tailored specifically for outdoor cyclists, this metric calculates your pedalling pace on the fly, giving you immediate feedback to optimize your cycling efficiency and performance without needing additional sensors.
For the adventurers, the high altitude monitoring feature has received a substantial upgrade. It now leverages a combination of heart rate and SpO2 (blood oxygen) level data to provide more accurate alerts for potential altitude adaptation problems. This smarter, health-based approach could be a crucial safety net for hikers and mountaineers.
Beyond the headline health and fitness upgrades, the changelog details several quality-of-life improvements. Huawei states that music playback has been optimized, though specifics are slim. More tangibly, the time display linked to car key and smart lock key card swipes within the Huawei Health app has been enhanced. Additionally, connectivity with third-party earbuds is said to be smoother. As with most updates, the final note mentions optimizations to overall system stability in “certain situations” to ensure a reliable experience.
Global Rollout in Progress
This update appears to be rolling out worldwide. As is typical with Huawei, users in China likely received the update first, with the rollout now expanding to European, Asian, and other global markets over the coming days and weeks. If you haven't received a notification yet, you can manually check via the Huawei Health app (Devices > Your Watch > Firmware update).
The Huawei Watch GT 6 series, with its comprehensive health monitoring and impressive battery life, continues to be a strong contender in the smartwatch arena. You can find the standard model, like the Huawei Watch GT 6 available on Amazon Germany, to experience these new features firsthand.
Curious about the full scope of past updates? Detailed analyses of the Watch GT 6 series' evolving capabilities can be found on expert sites like Huawei Central and Chinese Smartwatches.
FAQ: Huawei Watch GT 6 Series Update 6.0.0.173
Q: How do I get the update on my Watch GT 6?
A: Open the Huawei Health app on your connected phone, go to Devices, select your watch, and tap Firmware update. Ensure your watch has at least a 20% charge and is connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
Q: Is this update available for the older Watch GT 5 or GT 4?
A: No. This specific update (6.0.0.173) is only for the 2025 Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro models. Older series may receive different updates.
Q: Do I need a Huawei phone to use these features?
A: No. The core features of the watch and this update work with both Android and iOS phones via the Huawei Health app, though functionality with certain third-party earbuds or deep system integrations may vary.
Q: What does “virtual cadence” mean?
A: It’s a software-calculated metric that estimates your cycling cadence (pedalling revolutions per minute) using the watch’s built-in sensors, eliminating the need for a separate physical cadence sensor on your bike.
The Bottom Line
Huawei’s latest update reinforces the Watch GT 6 series as a dynamic tool for active lifestyles. By adding specialized metrics like virtual cadence and refining critical safety features such as altitude monitoring, Huawei is listening to its user base. This proactive software support adds significant value, ensuring your smartwatch stays smarter for longer. Keep an eye on your notifications—your next workout could be more insightful than ever.