Wear OS 7 is now official, and Google says the new update focuses on smarter AI experiences, improved battery life, and a more flexible smartwatch interface. Announced during Google I/O 2026, the platform is based on Android 17 and will power upcoming smartwatches launching later this year. Here are seven important things to know about Wear OS 7.

Wear OS 7 is based on Android 17

Google confirmed that Wear OS 7 is built on Android 17. The company has already released the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator for developers ahead of the wider rollout later this year.

Battery life is getting better

According to Google, smartwatches upgrading from Wear OS 6 to Wear OS 7 could deliver up to 10 percent better battery life. This improvement comes alongside chipset-level efficiency upgrades introduced with newer wearable processors.

Gemini AI is coming to smartwatches

Select smartwatches launching later this year will support Gemini Intelligence. Google says the AI assistant will offer more proactive and personalised help directly from the wrist.

Tiles are being replaced by Wear Widgets

Wear OS 7 introduces new Wear Widgets that support 2×1 and 2×2 layouts similar to phone widgets. This change is expected to make smartwatch home screens more flexible and easier to customize.

Live Updates will show real-time information

Google is adding Live Updates support to Wear OS 7. This feature can display information such as rideshare ETAs, food delivery tracking, and sports scores directly on the watch face without requiring users to open apps.

Gemini can control apps through voice commands

Google is introducing AppFunctions support, allowing Gemini to trigger actions inside apps. For example, users can ask Gemini to start tracking a workout in Samsung Health without touching the watch.

Fitness and media controls are improving

Wear OS 7 adds a built-in Wear Workout Tracker that offers standardised fitness tracking tools for app developers. Google is also introducing smarter media controls, including per-app auto-launch options and a remote audio output switcher.

If you wish to try the Wear OS 7, Google says you can test it through the developer-focused Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator before the official rollout later this year.

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The post Wear OS 7 is official: 7 major features coming to smartwatches appeared first on Gizmochina.