Google, after launching Wear OS 4 in mid-2023, is now gearing up to introduce the next significant update for its wearable platform next week. This would mark the first major update to Wear OS within a year. Google has hinted at this with a mention of “Wear OS 5” in a scheduled Google I/O session on May 16. Here’s a summary of what we know about Wear OS 5 so far.
Wear OS 5: Potential Release Date
With a Google I/O session already on the books, it’s highly likely that Google will announce Wear OS 5 during the Google I/O 2024 keynote on May 14. There’s also speculation about the launch of a new budget Pixel Watch, which recently leaked at the FCC. However, information about the device remains limited.
If Google doesn’t announce a new Pixel Watch next week, the first wearable likely to debut with Wear OS 5 will be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 7 Pro. These are expected to launch at a rumored Unpacked event on July 10 in Paris, where Samsung is also expected to unveil its Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 models.
It’s likely that Wear OS 5 will be introduced alongside the launch of Google’s Pixel Watch 3 in October, coinciding with the Pixel 9 series. Google updated the original Pixel Watch to Wear OS 4 only after the release of the Pixel Watch 2. Therefore, don’t expect an update to Wear OS 5 for its current lineup before October.
Wear OS 5 Expected Features
Unlike Android 15, which is already in beta, Google has kept the development of Wear OS 5 under wraps. The most significant anticipated change with the upcoming OS is that it could be based on Android 14. Given that Wear OS 4 was released with Android 13, there’s a high likelihood of an Android 14-based OS.
While previous Wear OS versions have sometimes skipped Android versions, Wear OS 5 could signal a shift toward annual, synchronized updates.
Details on features are currently sparse. The description of the “Building for the Future of Wear OS” session, scheduled for May 16, hints at possible advancements in the Watch Face Format.
For those unfamiliar, Watch Face Format was introduced last year in collaboration with Samsung to simplify the process of creating watch faces for Wear OS watches without the need for coding. With the arrival of Wear OS 5, we anticipate Google updating the Watch Face Format to offer new design options for watch faces, as well as improvements in implementing complications, along with enhancements in battery life and performance.
The Google I/O 2024 session also suggests that developers might soon be able to create watch faces for different watch sizes. This would align with a potential launch of a larger companion to the upcoming Pixel Watch 3. A larger Pixel Watch could appeal to users who prefer watches with larger displays, a strategy that has long been successful for the Apple Watch.
Additionally, anticipate minor enhancements and updates to the current features of Wear OS 4. We may witness the integration of more Google apps and Fitbit-supported health features on Wear OS watches, along with improvements in power consumption and performance.
Wear OS 5 Supported Watches (Expected)
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series was the pioneer in running Wear OS 4 upon its launch last year, followed by the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic. These devices were the first to debut with the then-major Wear OS update.
Given Google’s ongoing collaboration with Samsung, there’s optimism that the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 series could be the first to be released with Wear OS 5, albeit overlaid with Samsung’s One UI skin. This could mean that Wear OS might be unveiled for the first time when Samsung announces its next wearable lineup during its Unpacked event.
The Pixel Watch 3, rumored to debut later this year, might be Google’s first device to run Wear OS 5. There’s even speculation about a surprise launch of the Pixel Watch 2a (name not confirmed) at Google I/O 2024, though its existence has not been confirmed.
Regarding compatibility, we anticipate that recent Wear OS 4 watches will receive the Wear OS 5 update later this year. Potential candidates include:
1. Google Pixel Watch 2
2. Google Pixel Watch
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series
6. OnePlus Watch 2
Please be aware that this list is based on speculation and is subject to change. As with any Android update, the timing of its availability for these devices will depend on decisions made by Google and other OEMs, especially at this early stage of development.
What I Want to See on Wear OS 5
I’m excited about Google’s plan to bring yearly version updates to Wear OS. While this promises ongoing improvements, I hope it goes beyond just incremental changes. Wear OS 4 didn’t offer a significant leap from its predecessor, so I’m anticipating a substantial overhaul with Wear OS 5.
Here’s my wishlist for the next version of Wear OS:
1. Gemini on the wrist: Wear OS already lets users trigger Google Assistant using the Side button. Now, imagine having Gemini on your wrist. It’s an intriguing possibility that could set Wear OS apart from Apple’s watchOS.
2. Enhanced gestures akin to Apple Watch: Apple introduced the double-tap feature to its Watch lineup last year, enabling users to interact with alerts, calls, notifications, camera shutter, timers, and other apps single-handedly. If Google could expand on this with additional single-handed gestures, it could significantly enhance the Wear OS experience.
3. Crash detection support: While Pixel Watch devices already offer fall detection like the Apple Watch, they lack the car crash detection feature available on Pixel phones. Incorporating this feature into Wear OS would be a valuable addition, enhancing users’ personal safety.
4. Access quick settings and notifications from any app: One feature I admire in watchOS is the ability to access the Watch’s Control Center or Notifications Center from any app or screen. In contrast, Wear OS requires you to return to the home screen for basic tasks like checking notifications or disabling Wi-Fi. I hope Wear OS 5 addresses this issue comprehensively.
5. Efficient integration of Fitbit’s tracking tools: Despite Google’s acquisition of Fitbit over three years ago, Wear OS has yet to fully integrate Fitbit’s health-tracking tools and insights. Both Google and Samsung offer dedicated sensors for monitoring health and sleep patterns. With Wear OS 5, I hope to see a seamless integration of Fitbit’s tracking capabilities, allowing users to easily access their health data across devices.
While there are several additions I hope Google includes, the mentioned features alone would make Wear OS 5 a substantial update. With just a few days remaining until the Google I/O 2024 event, there’s still much to learn about the upcoming update. We’ll keep you informed of any new developments, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, feel free to share in the comments below which features of Wear OS 5 you’re most excited about.
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