Google announces Wear OS 7 with Gemini Intelligence and 10% battery life improvement at I/O 2026

Wear OS 7 Lets You Track Live Updates From Your Wrist, Improves Battery Life

With over a decade of experience reporting on consumer technology, James covers mobile phones, apps, operating systems, wearables, AI, and more. Google I/O 2026 mostly focused on AI improvements across Gemini, but Google also unveiled Wear OS 7 with the changes to expect on your smartwatch when it receives the next-gen software. The biggest upcoming feature is called Live Updates, which first debuted on phones running Android 16, allowing you to track rideshares, deliveries, select live events, and more through a new type of notification that emulates other online tracking tools. The notification style lets developers create a timeline to keep you informed about the service's status, showing the progress it has made so far. Google has designed it so developers can easily port the feature between Android phones and watches, meaning you should see it appear across multiple apps as development time is reduced. You could also find that your smartwatch lasts longer when it receives Wear OS 7, with Google claiming improvements of up to 10% in daily use, thanks to new power optimizations. Improved widgets are also imminent, giving instant, glanceable information for supported apps. It uses the same background tech as Android's most recent widget tech, allowing them to appear in either 2x1 or 2x2 layouts with clear, easy-to-use features. AI-powered upgrades include Google sharing that "select watches arriving later this year" will come with Gemini Intelligence by default. It says that this will provide "proactive and personalized help to our users so they can focus on what matters." Google hasn't shared which upcoming smartwatches will support it, but it may be ready for the rumored next-gen Samsung Galaxy Watch or the next Google Pixel Watch. Developers can offer similar but distinct features via the AppFunctions API, which lets them port Google's Gemini assistant into the app so users can interact with the service to navigate and set up features. Google's aim is to make talking to your watch easier by letting all developers use Gemini, meaning users don't have to rethink how to talk to their watch each time they activate it. This may be a while before it appears within apps, as Google is only now setting up an early access program. Wear OS 7 also gives you more control over which settings appear for each media app. It lets you choose which apps auto-launch controls on your wrist when you're playing music from your phone. For example, you can tailor it so these appear automatically in Spotify but not when watching YouTube videos. It also lets you control where audio plays from your wrist using Bluetooth, just as it does on your phone. It lets you switch to other connected devices, such as playing music from a Google Nest Hub, and lets you control tracks from your smartwatch. We don't yet know when Wear OS 7 will launch, as Google doesn't maintain a consistent yearly cadence for its smartwatch software. The last update, Wear OS 6, launched in July 2025, and it's still rolling out to many new devices, so it may be a wait until this arrives on your wrist.

Google announces Wear OS 7 - Engadget

The OS update integrates Gemini Intelligence and adds a new widget system. Alongside a slew of new AI-focused announcements at I/O 2026, Google also announced Wear OS 7, the latest update to its wearable operating system. The software update carries over some of the design tweaks the company plans to introduce in Android 17, lays the groundwork for new Gemini Intelligence features and adds interface elements that display glanceable information in new ways. The biggest of those additions is what Google calls Wear Widgets, an evolution of the informational "tiles" that have been the bread and butter of the Wear OS experience for years at this point. Wear Widgets are designed to be more dynamic and customizable for developers, and closely mirror what can be offered on smartphones. Widgets that users make with Google's AI-powered Create My Widget tool will also be able to make the jump to smartwatches. Live Updates, Google's system for displaying real-time information on the lock screen of Android phones is also coming to Wear OS, along with a default workout tracker with built-in media controls that can be used across wearable fitness apps. Wear OS 7 will also have controls for deciding which apps automatically launch the Wear OS media controls interface and a new Remote Output Switcher for switching which headphones or speakers play the audio you're streaming. Critical to Google's current focus on using Gemini for agentic AI experiences, Wear OS 7 includes several APIs that can be used by developers to hook up their apps to Google's Gemini Intelligence system. Those include an AppFunctions API that can integrate features and functions of apps with Google's assistant, and support for the ability to invoke task automation (like placing an order through a food delivery app, for example) directly from your wrist. Google plans to detail more of the new features of Wear OS 7 during I/O 2026. A test version of the OS is also available to try now via the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator, ahead of its release later this year.

Wear OS 7 announced: A more efficient and intelligent smartwatch platform

Google adds that some watches launching later this year will also get Gemini Intelligence. Google has already made plenty of announcements at its I/O developer conference, but the company still had a major surprise as it just revealed Wear OS 7 for smartwatches. Google promises that Wear OS 7 is smarter and more efficient than its predecessor. In fact, the company says users upgrading their watches from Wear OS 6 to Wear OS 7 could see a 10% improvement in battery life. The company adds that "select" watches launching later in 2026 will also gain access to Gemini Intelligence for agentic tasks. It didn't dish out more details in this regard, but it's a safe bet that some of these watches will likely be powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, which brings on-device AI smarts to smartwatches.

'We're bringing the watch closer to the rest of the Android family.' Google I/O may have sidelined Wear OS 7, but an important new update is quietly rolling out -- and it's all about AI

While Google's I/O keynote was packed with announcements about big changes to Google Search and Gemini, and features designed to usher in the age of the 'agentic web', we didn't hear much about wearables. However, Google is bringing some changes to Wear OS 7 for users of the best Android watches, with the rollout set to begin later this year, although an exact date hasn't been specified. To start with, Google's Gemini Intelligence, its comprehensive, personalized AI assistant, is coming to Wear OS as well as the rest of the Android family. You'll be able to interact with Gemini on-wrist as well as on your Android phone, getting all the same agentic help Google spent most of its keynote promising. Android's Live Updates feature is coming to watches. This innovative Android phone feature offers a summary of important updates on an ongoing task, such as a pizza order or turn-by-turn directions. You now get a timeline on your watch with a small square marker tracking its progress, along with a summary of your order's status, a countdown to your next turning, or other handy updates. Google is also working on an AppFunctions API (for those not in the know, API stands for 'application programming interface'), which allows developers to "integrate their apps with agents and assistants, like Google Gemini". Using a smartwatch's microphone, users can issue a voice command, and a purpose-built AI agent will take it from there, completing tasks for them. Clever. According to Google, users will also "be able to invoke and track automated app tasks, for selected phone apps, directly from their watch, like placing an order with DoorDash!" This feature will be implemented without the need for any development tinkering, suggesting Google sees voice as the future of watches. Google isn't the only smartwatch manufacturer anticipating for AI interaction in this way -- Coros is also prioritizing voice as a key way to interact with AI from wearables, with CEO Lewis Wu suggesting that a future-proof smartwatch is one with a microphone. There's also a new standardized Wear Workout Tracker feature that will be part of future exercise apps, making it easy for developers of fitness apps to add things like media control to their on-watch interfaces. Speaking of media control, that's also getting an update so that controls auto-launch after you press Play -- so, for example, if you start playing a song on Spotify, the controls will automatically pop up on your Pixel Watch 4. Finally, expect battery life on Wear OS watches to improve by around 10%, fulfilling our predictions, and helping them to perform all these new AI-powered tasks. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.

Wear OS 7 promises 10% better battery life and adds Gemini Intelligence... for select 2026 models

Limiting Gemini Intelligence to select future watches while existing Pixel Watch owners wait is exactly the kind of fine print that turns a promising announcement into a frustrating one. Google I/O 2026 This story is part of our complete Google I/O coverage Updated less than 2 minutes ago Google announced Wear OS 7 at I/O 2026, and for the Pixel Watch owners who have spent years watching Apple pile features onto watchOS, this one might feel like redemption. The latest Wear OS update promises up to 10% better battery life compared to Wear OS 6, which is meaningful for a device where every hour of battery life counts. And, more importantly, Gemini Intelligence is coming to Pixel Watches later this year (with an asterisk the size of a watch face). What's actually new in Wear OS 7? The most noticeable change is the removal of Tiles. Google is replacing the full-screen Tiles with flexible and useful widgets in two layouts: 2×1 and 2×2 blocks. The widgets will look and behave far more like the widget system on Android 16. Recommended Videos However, unlike Samsung's Galaxy Watch implementation, you won't be able to stack multiple widgets on a screen on Wear OS 7. With that, Live Updates are also coming to compatible watches, providing real-time notifications that appear directly on the watch face, with dynamic, app-based information. Google is also bringing a streamlined workout tracking experience, bringing consistency to heart rate monitoring and media controls across the Pixel Watch ecosystem. Besides, the media player gets an auto-launch toggle and a new Remote Output Switcher for handling both Google Cast and Bluetooth outputs. Who actually gets Gemini Intelligence and when? This is where the asterisk matters. Google has confirmed Gemini Intelligence for select watch models launching later in 2026. In other words, none of the existing Pixel Watch models get the AI layer that dominated the entire Android Show 2026 conversation, and neither will all the upcoming models get it. The AppFunctions API allows developers to integrate Gemini into their apps today, allowing users to invoke Gemini in the middle of a workout and placing a DoorDash order without touching their phone. Wear OS 7 Canary is available for developers now; the full rollout arrives later this year. While the widget system and Live Updates bring Wear OS 7 closer to Apple's watchOS, the Gemini Intelligence caveat implies that the best features arrive on the newest and the most powerful hardware, leaving existing owners behind.

Google's Wear OS 7 Unveiled With Wear Widgets, Live Updates, More

* Google introduced Wear OS 7 * Wear OS 7 will be available later in the year * The Wear OS 7 offers power optimisations Google hosted its annual I/O event on Tuesday and announced a wide range of AI-based features. Alongside the various AI updates, the company also showcased Wear OS 7. This newest version of its smartwatch operating system includes several design changes inspired by Android 17. The Wear OS 7 update offers power optimisations and new system capabilities. It brings several features, including Live Updates and improved media controls. Google Previewed Wear OS 7 Wear OS 7 will be available later in 2026, but Google has offered a preview of the new OS at the recently concluded Google I/O 2026. Developers can test the upcoming software update using the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator, which is based on Android 17. One of the biggest additions of the new operating system is Wear Widgets. This UI feature supports small and large card layouts and aligns with the 2x1 and 2x2 formats on mobile. Google says the Wear Widgets will provide more expressiveness and consistency with Compose than the Tiles ProtoLayout libraries. Further, Wear OS 7 offers power optimisations, and Google claims that users upgrading from Wear OS 6 will see up to a 10 percent improvement in battery life. The company promised to add a few Gemini Intelligence features to select smartwatches launching this year. This will allow users to access AI-powered assistance directly from their wrists. Further, Wear OS 7 offers a Live Updates feature that displays real-time information from apps directly on the smartwatch. Similar to Android phones, this functionality will show details about rides, sports scores and delivery updates. Google already provides Live Updates on Android smartphones. Wear OS 7 includes developer APIs that can be used by developers to integrate their apps into Google's Gemini Intelligence system. These include the AppFunctions API, which will enable users to complete tasks using voice, replacing manual navigation. Google is also adding a Wear Workout Tracker feature for fitness apps with the Wear OS 7. This update offers a standardised workout tracking experience with features such as heart rate monitoring and media controls. It will be included in Wear OS later in the year. Additionally, Wear OS 7 improves System Media Controls by giving users more customisation options. Users will be able to personalise media auto-launch settings for individual apps, and it will include a Remote Output Switcher to manage audio playback devices directly from the smartwatch. Wear OS 7 will soon allow users to invoke and track automated app tasks for selected phone apps directly from their watch. It is still unclear which smartwatches will be the first to receive the Wear OS 7 update. Samsung's next-generation Galaxy Watches and Pixel Watches are likely to be among the first devices to get this OS.

Google's WearOS 7 Finally Kills Off Tiles For Widgets, While Bringing A 10% Battery Boost

Google has just announced the all-new WearOS 7, bringing Gemini Intelligence and some of the most utility-heavy features of Android 17 onboard. Tiles are out and widgets are in. Wear Widgets are debuting on WearOS 7, replete with 2x1 and 2x2 sizes that align with the widget format on your smartphone. What's more, Live Updates now allow you to view time-critical updates, such as delivery or ride tracking, directly on your watch face, with the information updating in real-time. This precludes the need for you to tap the screen or pick up your smartphone. Also, with the new AppFunctions API, developers can integrate their apps with AI assistants and agents, including Gemini, allowing users to complete in-app tasks just via voice commands. For instance, you can tell Gemini to start tracking your sprint via the command "Start tracking my run," and the assistant will automatically use Samsung Health or another compatible app to start tracking. The WearOS 7 brings enhanced media controls housed within a revamped UI, bringing a more seamless connectivity experience to the proverbial table. Also, users can now personalize their media auto-launch experience per-app directly from the System Media Controls. This allows eligible apps to show their controls on the watch face automatically when playback starts on your phone. Finally, users can expect a big efficiency bump with WearOS 7, entailing a battery life boost of as much as 10 percent when upgrading from WearOS 6.

Google unveils Wear OS 7 with Android 17, Gemini Intelligence, Widgets, and Live Updates

Google has announced a major upgrade to its smartwatch platform with Wear OS 7, built on Android 17. The update focuses on improved performance, better power efficiency, deeper intelligence, and enhanced developer tools, while improving consistency across the Android ecosystem. It introduces AI-assisted interactions, modern UI components, and simplified development for a more unified wearable experience. Wear OS 7 brings upgrades across performance, AI, UI systems, media controls, fitness, and developer tools. Performance & Battery Efficiency System-level power optimization delivers up to 10% better battery life for users upgrading from Wear OS 6, improving all-day usage without frequent charging. AI & Intelligent Assistance Select upcoming smartwatches will include Gemini Intelligence, offering proactive and personalized help on the wrist. These features shift usage toward more natural, AI-assisted workflows. Live Updates & System Experience Wear OS 7 introduces Live Updates, replacing the Ongoing Activities API for real-time information delivery. Tiles are replaced with Wear Widgets, improving consistency with the Android widget ecosystem. System media handling gains more flexibility and control. A new Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across apps. It reduces development effort while ensuring consistent fitness experiences. Watch Face Format 5 (WFF5) adds expanded design flexibility: A Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator based on Android 17 is available for early testing. Developers can: Wear OS 7 will roll out later this year on select smartwatch devices. Developers can already test it via the Canary emulator, while AppFunctions and automation capabilities are rolling out through early access programs ahead of full release.

Google I/O 2026: Wear OS 7 launches with better battery life, Gemini AI and smarter features

Select smartwatches launching later in 2026 will support Gemini Intelligence. Google has announced Wear OS 7 at I/O 2026 developer conference. This is the new version of its smartwatch operating system, and it focuses on improving battery efficiency, adding smarter AI-powered features, and making the everyday smartwatch UI more accessible and personal. Google claims the Wear OS 7 can offer up to 10% better battery life than Wear OS 6. Select smartwatches arriving later this year will also receive Gemini Intelligence support for a more proactive and conversational AI experience. Gemini integration Google says supported smartwatches will be able to handle more advanced voice commands and contextual assistance. For example, you could ask Gemini to start tracking a workout through compatible fitness apps or perform actions without you manually opening those apps or moving through menus. App task automation This means users will be able to trigger and monitor certain phone app actions directly from their watch. Google demonstrated an example where users could place and track a food delivery order from their smartwatch. Redesigned widgets These new widgets come in small and large layouts, similar to those seen on recent Android phones and tablets. The idea is to make important information easier to glance at from the wrist without opening full apps. Live Updates It will display real-time information from delivery apps, ride-hailing services, navigation apps or fitness tracking tools directly on the watch face or interface. Also Read: Sony launches 1000X The Collexion headphones globally: Price and upgrades over WH-1000XM6 Improved media controls You can now choose which apps automatically show playback controls on the watch. There is also a new audio output switcher that allows you to move audio playback between connected devices like smartphones, earbuds and smartwatches, directly from the watch interface. Standardised workout tracking experience Google says this will help apps provide more consistent fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring and media controls during workouts. The company confirmed that ASICS Runkeeper will support the feature. Watch face customisation With Watch Face Format version 5, you get better text alignment, improved auto-sizing and more flexible customisation tools. These should help in having cleaner and more adaptive watch face designs. All these features are aimed at improving day-to-day usability. The battery life improvement alone could make the update meaningful for existing Wear OS users. These smartwatches generally have lower battery endurance compared to a Garmin, RTOS or Apple watch. Google is also expanding AI across all its platforms, it seems. Wear OS 7 is expected to roll out later in 2026, although Google has not yet revealed a full list of supported smartwatches or exact release timelines. We shall keep you posted. Keep reading Digit.in for similar stories. Also Read: Google I/O 2026: Google claims Antigravity 2.0 created an operating system in 12 hours, brings vibe coding to Android