Wear OS 7 unveiled with widgets, Live Updates, improved battery life

At the Google I/O 2026 conference, the search giant unveiled Wear OS 7, the latest version of its smartwatch operating system based on Android 17. The update introduces several new features, including Widgets, Live Updates, and Gemini Intelligence on select smartwatches.

Google also claimed that Wear OS 7 can deliver up to a 10 percent improvement in battery life for smartwatches upgrading from Wear OS 6.

Wear OS 7 introduces Widgets, which Google says are designed to be flexible and dynamic. These widgets will be available in 2x1 and 2x2 layouts, similar to the widget formats offered on Android smartphones.

The update also brings Live Updates to smartwatches, allowing apps to show real-time information at a glance.

Google is upgrading system media controls in Wear OS 7 as well. The new version adds per-app media auto-launch controls and seamless audio routing through the Remote Output Switcher.

In addition, Wear OS 7 includes a new Wear Workout Tracker that provides a standardized workout tracking experience, along with support for Watch Face Format v5.

Google is also bringing Gemini Intelligence to select smartwatches launching later this year, enabling more advanced, agentic experiences. Wear OS 7 introduces a new App Functions API that allows developers to connect apps with AI assistants such as Gemini.

The company has also confirmed that task automation is coming to smartwatches with Wear OS 7. For example, users will be able to use voice commands to complete actions such as placing an order on DoorDash.

Developers can test out Google’s new smartwatch software via the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator. Wear OS 7 will be released later this year.

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