All the pieces it’s worthwhile to know concerning the upcoming software program replace
After first revealing Put on OS 6 final Could at its annual I/O convention, Google’s newest working system replace is now out there for many of the finest Android smartwatches.
As ever, the improve guarantees a bunch of refinements to boost the person expertise, battery life, and developer capabilities. So, when you’re questioning what this implies on your present or future Put on OS smartwatch, you’re in the best place.
That is your go-to supply for the whole lot it’s worthwhile to find out about Put on OS 6, masking its rollout schedule, key new options, and which units can entry the replace.
Put on OS 6 updates: The story to this point [March 2026]
The software program formally debuted with the official launch of the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Traditional, and Galaxy Watch Extremely 2025 on July 29.
Nevertheless, technically, that is Samsung’s newest One UI Watch pores and skin. Put on OS 6 in its normal kind wasn’t launched till the Google Pixel Watch 4 arrived on October 9. The identical pores and skin started rolling out to Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 house owners (however not the OG Pixel Watch) final December.
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We’ve additionally seen customers of older Galaxy Watch generations, together with the Watch FE (in December), start to see the Put on OS 6 replace land.
Final to obtain the software program would be the OnePlus Watch 2 and the OnePlus Watch 3. The model has confirmed these smartwatches will obtain the replace in 2026, although a extra particular timeline hasn’t been offered. We anticipate that could be finalized as soon as the just-announced Oppo Watch X3 is ultimately rebadged because the OnePlus Watch 4, doubtless in Q2.
Given Mobvoi’s TicWatch units seem like on the best way out, it additionally feels truthful to rule it out of competition for the Put on OS 6 replace. And the most recent—and one of many most cost-effective units—to run the software program is the Xiaomi Watch 5, introduced in February 2026.
Seven key upgrades out there in Put on OS 6
(Picture credit score: Wareable)
As is customary with Google’s annual smartwatch software program refresh, Put on OS 6 isn’t a dramatic overhaul. Nevertheless, there are a number of notable enhancements and new instruments out there for each customers and builders, and it’s definitely extra substantial than final yr’s replace from a design perspective.
1. Improved battery life
Optimizations throughout the system are anticipated to supply as much as a ten% improve in battery life in comparison with Put on OS 5.
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2. ‘Materials 3 Expressive‘ brings theming
A refreshed visible and movement design system introduces extra personalization choices, up to date colour schemes, typography, and shapes, enabling builders to boost their design capabilities.
Apps and tiles will be capable to match their colours with the energetic watch face for a extra cohesive look—although this one will solely be out there on Google’s watches initially.
3. Refined always-on show
Enhancements to the always-on show expertise are on the best way and will show essential for fast glances at data. Within the replace, the highest exercise stays seen and within the ‘resumed’ state when the system enters system ambient mode.
4. Enhanced Tiles
The swipeable widgets on Put on OS will now align with the system font by default and profit from new parts, together with a 3-slot structure for higher visible consistency.
5. Smoother navigation and menus
New UI components will permit builders to create extra fluid checklist navigation and scrolling.
6. Higher media controls
Improved controls for podcasts, together with fast-forward, rewind, playlist entry, shuffle, like, and repeat features.
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7. Watch faces are again
Third-party watch faces have gotten usable once more, as platforms like Facer now help ‘Watch Face Push’ and might sync immediately, eliminating the necessity to obtain a separate app for every face.
Put on OS 6 replace tracker: Confirmed and anticipated
(Picture credit score: Wareable)
The Put on OS 6 rollout continues to be in its preliminary phases, with solely Samsung and Google’s smartwatches capable of obtain the 2025 software program. The most recent to obtain the replace was the Pixel Watch 2-4 in early October.
Nevertheless, earlier than that, Samsung started its rollout. Whereas asserting that the Galaxy Watch Extremely would obtain its One UI Watch 8/Put on OS 6 replace, the model snuck into the fantastic print that it’s going to even be “progressively rolled out” to earlier Galaxy Watch fashions.
Right here’s the scenario as of October 2025. We’ll proceed to replace this checklist as extra units start receiving beta or full variations of Put on OS 6.
Confirmed to help Put on OS 6:
- Google Pixel Watch 2-4
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 collection
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely (2024 and 2025 editions)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4-7 collection
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
- Xiaomi Watch 5
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Put on OS 6 replace is coming in 2026:
- OnePlus Watch 3 collection
- OnePlus Watch 2
Unlikely or won’t help Put on OS 6:
- Xiaomi Watch 2 collection
- Mobvoi TicWatch 5 collection
- Google Pixel Watch 1
