**Wear OS in 2025: A Year of Evolution for Android Smartwatches**
The realm of Wear OS smartwatches is poised for considerable transformations in 2025, with progress in hardware, software, and AI integration promising to enhance the user experience. From a new Snapdragon chipset and possible redesigns of the Galaxy Watch to Google’s Gemini AI making its debut on wrists, the upcoming year may signify a crucial turning point for Android-based wearables. Here’s what to look forward to.
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### **Next-Gen Snapdragon Hardware and the RISC-V Shift**
Among the most awaited innovations for 2025 is the launch of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Wear chip. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, released in 2022, has powered the majority of Wear OS devices over the last two and a half years. While it has fulfilled its role admirably, the now-dated Cortex-A53 core—first released in 2012—highlights the necessity for an upgrade.
Qualcomm has hinted at a “feature-centric” and “AI-enhanced” Snapdragon Wear chip, presumably called the W5 Gen 2, which could sustain Wear OS devices until 2027. This forthcoming chip is anticipated to utilize the RISC-V framework, an open-source and energy-efficient platform that Qualcomm and Google have been developing together since 2023. RISC-V promises substantial gains in battery durability, with Qualcomm targeting an entire week’s usage on a single charge—although this lofty ambition may take some time to fully achieve.
The transition to RISC-V could also facilitate the creation of more cost-effective, custom-designed chips for specific smartwatch functions. Nonetheless, experts warn that the shift may take longer than expected, possibly hindering its widespread implementation.
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### **Google’s Tensor Conundrum: Snapdragon or Proprietary?**
As Google prepares for the Pixel Watch 4 in 2025, the company faces a pivotal choice: continue relying on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips or create a proprietary Tensor chip. While a Tensor chip could complement Google’s AI-centric strategy, it may not possess the sheer performance of Qualcomm’s alternatives. This decision could dramatically influence the Pixel Watch’s competitiveness against Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series, a foundation of Wear OS’s recent achievements.
Google’s collaboration with Samsung remains crucial. A Tensor-based Pixel Watch could streamline software development between both brands, but it could also restrict the Pixel Watch’s ability to stand out in an overcrowded marketplace.
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### **Wellness and Fitness: The Essence of Wear OS**
Health and fitness will continue to be a central theme for Wear OS in 2025. Building on features established in Wear OS 5 and Samsung’s One UI 6 Watch, the anticipated Wear OS 6 is expected to bolster tools for running, cycling, and weight training. Dual-band GPS, training load analytics, and AI coaching are likely to become standard offerings.
While non-invasive blood glucose measurement remains a long-term goal, mental health tracking may emerge as a new frontier for wearables. Fitbit’s integration into Wear OS could also broaden, potentially becoming accessible on all Wear OS devices, not just Google’s Pixel range.
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### **Gemini AI: A Revolutionary Force for Smartwatches**
Google’s Gemini AI, which has already gained attention in smartphones and other gadgets, is set to launch on smartwatches in 2025. A streamlined version of Gemini, customized for wearable technology, could transform user interactions with their devices. From sophisticated voice commands to tailored fitness insights, Gemini might emerge as the signature feature of Wear OS 6.
Yet, the effectiveness of Gemini on smartwatches will rely on the capabilities of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 or similar hardware. Older Wear OS devices may face challenges in supporting such advanced AI functionalities, potentially leading to disparities between new and existing models.
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### **Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8: A Consistent Design Identity**
Speculations of a squircle design for the Galaxy Watch 8 have ignited discussions among enthusiasts. While a square-shaped device could set Samsung apart from its rivals, the company’s leadership is reportedly against designs that could be seen as imitating Apple. Hence, the Galaxy Watch 8 is likely to maintain its classic round design, following the pattern established by its forerunners.
Samsung’s focus is expected to remain on enhancing its health and fitness features, with possible updates to its Galaxy Watch Classic and Ultra variations. The Ultra model, in particular, might see a second generation or could be phased out, depending on market feedback.
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### **The Resurgence of Facer and Third-Party Watch Faces**
One of the more specialized yet exciting prospects for 2025 is the comeback of Facer, an app favored for customizing watch faces. Google’s transition to the XML Watch Face Format in Wear OS 5 put Facer on hold, but the app’s developers are reportedly collaborating with Google to reach a resolution. A revitalized Facer could streamline the process for users to discover and install innovative, battery-efficient watch faces.
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### **Obstacles Ahead: Slower Update Cycles**
