Google Introduces Wear OS 7 With Gemini AI Features and Wear Widgets

Alongside a wide range of new AI-focused announcements at I/O 2026, Google also introduced Wear OS 7, the newest version of its wearable operating system. The software update brings several of the design changes Google plans to add in Android 17, prepares the platform for upcoming Gemini Intelligence features, and introduces interface components that present glanceable information in fresh ways.

One of the biggest additions is something Google calls Wear Widgets, an advancement of the informational “tiles” that have long been central to the Wear OS experience. Wear Widgets are built to be more flexible and customizable for developers, while closely resembling the widget experience available on smartphones. Widgets created using Google’s AI-powered Create My Widget feature will also be transferable to smartwatches.

Live Updates, Google’s feature for showing real-time information on Android phone lock screens, is also arriving on Wear OS, together with a default workout tracker that includes integrated media controls usable across wearable fitness apps. Wear OS 7 will additionally introduce controls that let users choose which apps automatically trigger the Wear OS media controls interface, along with a new Remote Output Switcher for changing which headphones or speakers handle streamed audio.

As part of Google’s ongoing push toward Gemini-powered agentic AI experiences, Wear OS 7 includes several APIs developers can use to connect their apps with the Gemini Intelligence system. These include an AppFunctions API capable of integrating app features and functions with Google’s assistant, as well as support for task automation directly from the wrist, such as placing an order through a food delivery app.

Google said it plans to reveal more details about Wear OS 7 features during I/O 2026. A testing version of the operating system is already available through the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator ahead of its official launch later this year.