Will My Current Apps Work with WearOS 6?
Most existing WearOS apps continue working on WearOS 6, though some may require updates to access new features or maintain optimal performance. Google prioritizes backward compatibility.
Apps That Work
-
System Apps:
Gmail,Calendar,Messages,Google Pay, and otherGoogleapps receive automatic updates for full compatibility. -
Popular Third-Party:
Spotify,Strava,Nike Run Club,WhatsApp, and major apps haveWearOS 6support. -
Watch Faces: Existing watch faces function normally, though they may not support new
Material 3features until updated. -
Fitness Apps: Health tracking apps maintain core functionality with potential feature enhancements after updates.
Apps Requiring Updates
-
UI-Heavy Apps: Apps with complex interfaces benefit most from
Material 3design updates for visual consistency. -
AI-Integrated Apps: Apps wanting
Gemini AIintegration need developer updates to access the new capabilities. -
Custom Watch Faces: Advanced watch faces may need updates for
Watch Face Format v4features like animations. -
Communication Apps: Messaging apps may need updates for enhanced notification handling in
WearOS 6.
Potential Issues
-
Performance: Older apps may run slower on
WearOS 6without optimization updates from developers. -
Visual Problems: Some apps may have minor display issues with new interface elements until updated.
-
Feature Limitations: Apps can't access new
WearOS 6capabilities without developer updates. -
Legacy Apps: Very old or abandoned apps may stop working properly and display compatibility notices.
After Updating
Update all apps through Play Store after installing WearOS 6. Remove problematic legacy apps and check developer websites for WearOS 6 compatibility announcements.
See Also: What's New in WearOS 6|Installation Guide|Performance Troubleshooting