Everything you need to know about the upcoming software update.
After first revealing Wear OS 6 in May at its annual I/O conference, Google’s latest operating system update is now available for most of the best Android smartwatches.
As ever, the upgrade promises a host of refinements to enhance the user experience, battery life, and developer capabilities. So, if you’re wondering what this means for your current or future Wear OS smartwatch, you’re in the right place.
This is your go-to source for everything you need to know about Wear OS 6, covering its rollout schedule, key new features, and which devices can access the update.
Wear OS 6 updates: The state of play [December 2025]
After initially announcing that Wear OS 6 would be available ‘later this year’, the software officially debuted with the official release of the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 on July 29.
However, technically, this is Samsung’s latest One UI Watch skin. Wear OS 6 in its standard form was released as part of the Google Pixel Watch 4 on October 9. As we’ll detail below, the same skin is now also rolling out to Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 owners (but not the OG Pixel Watch).
Since then, we’ve seen users of older Galaxy Watch generations, including the Watch FE (in December), begin to see the Wear OS 6 update land.
Last to receive the software will be the OnePlus Watch 2 and OnePlus Watch 3. The brand has confirmed these smartwatches will receive the update in 2026, though a more specific timeline hasn’t been provided.
Given Mobvoi’s TicWatch devices appear to be on the way out, it also feels fair to rule it out of contention for the Wear OS 6 update.
Seven key upgrades available in Wear OS 6
As is customary with Google’s annual smartwatch software refresh, Wear OS 6 isn’t a dramatic overhaul. However, there are several notable improvements and new tools available for both users and developers, and it’s certainly more substantial than last year’s update from a design perspective.
1. Improved battery life
Optimizations within the system are expected to provide up to a 10% increase in battery life compared to Wear OS 5.
2. ‘Material 3 Expressive‘ brings theming
A refreshed visual and motion design system introduces more personalization options, updated color schemes, typography, and shapes, enabling developers to enhance their design capabilities.
Apps and tiles will be able to match their colors with the active watch face for a more cohesive look—though this one will only be available on Google’s watches initially.
3. Refined always-on display
Enhancements to the always-on display experience are on the way and could prove crucial for quick glances at information. In the update, the top activity remains visible and in the ‘resumed’ state when the device enters system ambient mode.
4. Enhanced Tiles
The swipeable widgets on Wear OS will now align with the system font by default and benefit from new components, including a 3-slot layout for better visual consistency.
5. Smoother navigation and menus
New UI elements will allow developers to create more fluid list navigation and scrolling.
6. Better media controls
Improved controls for podcasts, including fast-forward, rewind, playlist access, shuffle, like, and repeat functions.
7. Watch faces are back
Third-party watch faces are becoming usable again, as platforms like Facer now support ‘Watch Face Push’ and can sync instantly, eliminating the need to download a separate app for each face.
Wear OS 6 update tracker: Confirmed and expected
The Wear OS 6 rollout is still in its initial stages, with only Samsung and Google’s smartwatches able to download the 2025 software. The latest to receive the update was the Pixel Watch 2-4 in early October.
However, before that, Samsung began its rollout. While announcing that the Galaxy Watch Ultra would receive its One UI Watch 8/Wear OS 6 update, the brand snuck into the fine print that it will also be “progressively rolled out” to previous Galaxy Watch models.
Here’s the situation as of October 2025. We’ll continue to update this list as more devices begin receiving beta or full versions of Wear OS 6.
Confirmed to support Wear OS 6:
- Google Pixel Watch 2-4
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024 and 2025 editions)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4-7 series
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Wear OS 6 update is coming in 2026:
- OnePlus Watch 3 series
- OnePlus Watch 2
Unlikely or will not support Wear OS 6:
- Xiaomi Watch 2 series
- Mobvoi TicWatch 5 series
- Google Pixel Watch 1
