I got an early look at Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 3 at Google I/O

My weekly column focuses on the state of Wear OS, highlighting new developments, updates, and the latest apps and features. At I/O 2025, Google’s announcement of Wear OS 6 was somewhat overshadowed by the buzz surrounding next-gen Gemini smarts and Android XR glasses. However, on the second day of the event, I encountered a Pixel Watch 3 equipped with an early build of Wear OS 6, allowing me to experience the new Material 3 Expressive and the revamped Tiles firsthand.

After engaging with some Android XR developers following my hands-on experience with Google glasses, I stumbled upon two Pixel Watch 3 units displaying a vibrant AOD “fully charged” screen that was new to me. The developer emulator version performed seamlessly, aligning with the promises made in the developer blog, and I noticed no lag that detracted from the overall experience. In addition to a 10% battery boost, Zoeller assured that this version would enhance performance compared to Wear OS 5, despite the user interface appearing more complex.

While the watch had only one notification during my testing, limiting my ability to fully explore the “TransformingLazyColumn” tool, which scales down Cards at the top and bottom of the display, I remain optimistic about its fluidity based on this early version of Wear OS 6.

Enhanced Tiles and Dynamic Theming

The most significant change in Wear OS 6 is the redesigned Tiles, which are noticeably more dynamic than their OS 5 counterparts, which tended to be simpler and more understated. The 45mm Watch 3 accommodates five buttons that provide clear information, while the 41mm version adjusts content for a smaller screen. Google has emphasized that Tiles will maintain “visual consistency” with a “3-slot tile layout,” ensuring that all Tiles feature an app name/icon at the top and a bottom-edge button that typically opens additional options when shortcuts are unavailable. All Tiles utilize the same sans-serif system font, creating a cohesive look.

Developers have the flexibility to determine how to utilize the “main content slot,” whether for favorite Contacts or recent Gmail messages. Personally, I find myself more inclined to scroll through my Tiles in Wear OS 6 rather than heading straight to the app, as the icons are more descriptive and the tiles consistently feature an edge button for easy access to the app if needed.

<figcaption class="caption-creditfigcaption”><span class="caption-creditcredit” itemprop=”copyrightHolder”>(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Another notable feature of Wear OS 6 is the introduction of dynamic theming through Material 3 Expressive, which draws primary and secondary colors from the selected watch face to color the entire user interface. This aspect, however, revealed some limitations during my testing; the Quick Settings were not as colorful as expected, and the “Match Watch Face” color theme only functions with Wear OS 6 faces, leaving some older faces incompatible.

Nevertheless, when paired with the right watch face—such as one of the default themes like Moonstone or Ivy—the color integration across the UI is impressive, reminiscent of the cohesive experience found on Android phones.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

This exploration was not an exhaustive hands-on experience, as I was unable to detach the Wear OS 6-enabled Watch 3 from its stand for a thorough test. Additionally, apps have yet to be optimized for Wear OS 6, and the Watch Face Push stores are not yet available. However, from a usability standpoint, the Pixel Watch 3 has evolved into a more engaging and dynamic device compared to Wear OS 5.

Material 3 Expressive transcends mere aesthetics; Google’s engineers have cleverly addressed the constraints of rounded displays, transforming them into a feature that enhances user experience through smooth-scrolling content and theming that aligns closely with the Pixel phone ecosystem. Although the wait for Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 4 until late summer may be a drawback, the anticipation is palpable for those eager to experience these advancements firsthand.

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