this is google’s new update strategy

Google has given more transparency about the update policy for smartwatches with Wear OS. Which updates can we expect for the watches when?

Update Policy for Wear OS

Manufacturers each have an update schedule for smartphones, for other devices that is not so obvious. Google has now shared the update policy for the smartwatches with Wear OS, which makes it clear what the update plans are with the watches. The information comes from an employee who shares the message in an interview.

The plans are as follows;

Every year

Every year, Google wants to release a major Wear OS update for smartwatches. It should be a bit comparable to smartphones, so that a major (Android) update is rolled out every year, but for smartwatches.

Every quarter

Google will roll out an update for Wear OS every quarter, which can be compared with the Pixel Feature Drops for, for example, the Pixel devices. Among other things, it should provide access to new features and a better user experience.

Google emphasizes in the interview that manufacturers are responsible for the rollout of updates. This means that the speed of rollout and the final amount of updates can differ per manufacturer. So there may be a difference. For example, Samsung promises four years of updates, but Google itself three years.