In a significant move towards modernization, Google has mandated that all Wear OS applications must include a 64-bit version starting September 15, 2026. This requirement aligns with the company’s broader strategy, which has already seen similar transitions for Android TV and Google TV, both of which will also necessitate 64-bit app versions from August 2026.
Developers are still permitted to offer a 32-bit version alongside the new 64-bit applications, ensuring that existing devices equipped with 32-bit Wear OS can continue to access their favorite apps. Google has reassured users that the Play Store will continue to support these legacy applications, even as it begins to phase out non-compliant apps after the deadline.
According to Google, a substantial majority of Wear OS developers have already embraced the 64-bit architecture, though some dormant or abandoned apps may pose challenges during this transition. The hope is that these developers will step up to provide the necessary updates to keep their apps relevant in the evolving ecosystem.
What does this mean for Wear OS?
The shift towards requiring 64-bit app versions is indicative of a larger trend that may eventually lead to a 64-bit-only future for Wear OS. Historical precedent suggests that once a platform begins to phase in 64-bit requirements, it often culminates in the complete elimination of 32-bit support. For instance, Google mandated 64-bit app versions for Android in 2019, culminating in a 64-bit-only architecture with the release of Android 14 in 2024.
Transitioning to a 64-bit architecture promises numerous benefits, including enhanced performance and the potential for “faster and richer experiences” for users. Additionally, this shift is expected to bolster security, as features like memory tagging extensions require a 64-bit platform. For chip manufacturers, moving to a 64-bit-only architecture allows for more efficient use of silicon, freeing up space that would have been allocated for 32-bit operations. Furthermore, a 64-bit architecture enables smartwatches to utilize more than 4GB of RAM—a capability that, while seemingly excessive for wearable devices, could prove advantageous with the advent of advanced chips like the Snapdragon Wear Elite, which incorporate local AI functionalities.
