Wear OS 3 by Google represents a huge line in the sand for the smartwatch platform - marking the moment Samsung effectively became a joint partner and key new OEMs jumped on board.
When Wear OS 3 was unveiled by Google and Samsung in 2021, it was the first major update the operating system had been given since 2017.
Third-party apps and services have since been given a new lease of life, and improved hardware - including a watch line from Google itself - continues to drive forward the experience in 2024 with Wear OS 4.
But there's plenty more to know and understand about the recent Wear OS developments - including whether your watch is capable of the Wear OS 3 update. That's what we'll be detailing in this complete guide.
If you're more interested in our recommendations, you'll want to head to our roundup of the best smartwatches with Wear OS.
What is Wear OS?
For every smartwatch, there's a software platform running on-screen. With the Apple Watch, it's watchOS. For Garmin, it's Garmin OS. You get the idea.
Wear OS is Google's equivalent, and, as we see with Android, the company partners with vendors such as Samsung, OnePlus, Mobvoi, Tag Heuer, Xiaomi, and Montblanc to provide the platform across a range of different devices.
There are slight differences to Wear OS on certain platforms - Samsung's One UI Watch skin, for example, will see tracking performed by Samsung Health as default - but, generally speaking, you get the same experience across the board.
Wear OS 3 in brief
- Upgrading to Wear OS 3 ensures improved apps and integrations
- 11 smartwatches can run at least Wear OS 3
- The rollout of Wear OS 3 is complete - but did take nearly two years
- Some Wear OS 2-compatible devices won't be able to update
Which Wear OS smartwatches run Wear OS 3?
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Though the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 lineup was given the first edition of Wear OS 3 in 2021, the full rollout was incredibly protracted (and is now complete).
The new operating system is only available for a select number of existing devices, which we've listed below. For models stuck with Wear OS 2, Google has previously confirmed that it will provide two years of security updates will be provided - but that's it.
Which smartwatches run Wear OS 3?
Below is a full list of the smartwatches confirmed to run Wear OS 3.
In addition, there's now a growing list of devices capable of jumping to Wear OS 4, and some - like the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 6 series - are capable of Wear OS 4 but launched after Wear OS 3 was the latest software (which is why they're not included).
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 & Watch 5 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic
- Google Pixel Watch
- Montblanc Summit 3
- Fossil Gen 6
- Skagen Falster Gen 6
- Michael Kors Access 6
- Diesel Griffed Gen 6
- Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2
- Razer x Fossil Gen 6
- TicWatch Pro 3
- TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS
- TicWatch E3
- Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4
What can a Wear OS smartwatch do?
Wear OS watches are much more than just second screens for your smartphone. Here's a list of a few features, but keep in mind that not all the features below are available on every model.
- Track daily activity and workouts
- Monitor heart rate and deliver health insights
- Provide support for offline music playback
- Let you talk to Google Assistant
- Help you pay and store tickets with Google Wallet
- Track your location with GPS
- Sync with your Google Calendar
- Use Google Maps to navigate
- Pull in smartphone notifications and calls
- Act as an alarm clock and stopwatch
Key upgrades from Wear OS 3
Performance improvements
Way back when it was first announced, Google indicated that Wear OS 3 represented a 30% increase in performance, which includes slicker animations and UI and a boost in the loading times of apps.
After using the software over the last year or so, we can certainly vouch for this - it's a much speedier, bug-free experience compared to older versions of the software.
Google also claimed that battery life would be extended, too, but this isn't something we feel has really progressed in Wear OS 3. You'll still get 1-2 days with most of the available watches, which is neither great nor terrible.
App switching
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New features of Wear also mentioned include quick app switching, with a double tap of one of the physical watch buttons letting you switch between apps.
The apps not in use can continuously work in the background, as well, letting you go back and forth between them. You'll also be able to see the most recent apps you've at the top of the new app launcher.
Changes to Google Wallet
There have been a host of improvements to Google Wallet, which now lets you store the likes of match tickets, boarding passes, vaccine details, and, of course, payment cards, all from the wrist.
Improved Google Assistant
Google Assistant enhancements now mean you can configure the Assistant to work without the 'Hey, Google' wake word and have it listen for common commands instead.
Examples could be “turn downstairs lights on” or playing your favorite music – things you’d never just blurt out mid-conversation.
More third-party Tiles
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One of our favorite improvements made through Wear OS 3 is the addition of more Tiles. Google has opened up the API for these swipeable widgets to more third-party developers, which means there are now tons to pick between.
As shown in the image above, the new list includes the likes of Calm and Adidas Running, but existing ones, like Strava and Spotify, are available, too.
SOS
A new feature heading to Wear OS is an SOS feature that can quickly dial a contact in the event of an accident or emergency.
What apps are available on Wear OS?
We've seen a bunch of rebuilt apps land since Wear OS 3 rolled out, with the likes of Strava, Adidas Running, Spotify, MyFitnessPal, and Facer all getting on board.
You can read our full guide to the best Wear OS apps.
Top apps for Wear OS
- Spotify
- Adidas Running
- Deezer
- YouTube Music
- Google Maps
- Calm
- Sleep Cycle
- Strava
- LifeSum
Google has also improved how its core services, such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Calendar, work on smartwatches running the latest software.
It's not just the apps themselves that are improving, with Google also adding the ability to download and install apps directly from the Play Store.
It's now also much easier to find apps, thanks to the dedicated Watch app available for Android.
How we test
Conor joined Wareable in 2017, quickly making a name for himself by testing out language translation earbuds on a first date, navigating London streets in a wearable airbag, and experiencing skydiving in a VR headset.
Over the years, he has evolved into a recognized wearables and fitness tech expert. Through Wareable’s instructional how-to guides, Conor helps users maximize the potential of their gadgets, and also shapes the conversation in digital health and AI hardware through PULSE by Wareable.
As an avid marathon runner, dedicated weightlifter, and frequent hiker, he also provides a unique perspective to Wareable’s in-depth product reviews and news coverage.
In addition to his contributions to Wareable, Conor’s expertise has been featured in publications such as British GQ, The Independent, Digital Spy, Pocket-lint, The Mirror, WIRED, and Metro.