Wear OS 6.1 could bring some new features to Galaxy Watches

Google has released the Wear OS 6.1 update for some Pixel Watch models. It brings new and improved features, and some of those features could come to Galaxy Watches in the future with the Wear OS 6.1 update. Samsung could bring a newer version of One UI Watch based on Wear OS 6.1.

Wear OS 6.1 is based on Android 16. It is now available (via 9To5Google) for the Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants of the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and the Pixel Watch 4. This update brings AOD Media Controls, making it easier to control music playback even when the smartwatch is in the always-on display mode. On Galaxy Watches, YouTube Music displays AOD media controls properly, but Spotify doesn't, and a future version of One UI Watch could bring improvements to it and make AOD media controls available for all media playback apps.

The new Wear OS update also brings Double Pinch and Wrist Turn gestures, making it easier to take actions (like stopping an alarm or answering a call) and scroll through a list.

Google has also made some changes to the iconography on Pixel Watches. Icons of Bedtime Mode, Flashlight, and Settings have been tweaked to make them look better. The Pixel Watch app for phones has also been updated to include the Watch Screenshots folder containing screenshots from the smartwatch.

Samsung based the One UI 8.5 update (currently in beta phase) on Android 16 QPR2. Similarly, the next One UI Watch update (possibly One UI 8.5 Watch) will likely be based on Wear OS 6.1, and it could be released in the first half of next year to compatible Galaxy Watches.