Google’s Wear OS 6 Update: A Sneak Peek at Material 3 Expressive Design
As we eagerly await the arrival of Material 3 Expressive on Wear OS 6 later this year, Google is already giving us a taste of what’s to come. The tech giant is updating apps and Tiles with the new design language, and we’re excited to dive in and explore the changes.
A New Era of UI Design
One of the standout features of Material 3 Expressive on watches is its ability to “hug the display” with UI elements that seamlessly integrate with the round screen. This is achieved through the use of arc-shaped buttons placed on the perimeter, providing a larger touch target for users. This design shift is a significant departure from the previous pill-shaped buttons, which were smaller and more cramped.
Google Calendar Gets a Makeover
The Google Calendar app for Wear OS has already received an update to version 2025.18.1, featuring the new Material 3 Expressive design. While we didn’t see the changes live on the watches we checked, it’s likely that there’s a server-side component to this rollout. This means that users will need to wait for the update to propagate to their devices before they can experience the new design.
What’s Coming Next?
The update to Google Calendar is just the beginning. Wear OS Tiles with Material 3 Expressive will become much denser, featuring new layouts that show and offer more information. This is a significant improvement over the current design, which can feel cluttered and overwhelming.
What Does This Mean for Wear OS Users?
The update to Material 3 Expressive on Wear OS 6 will bring a fresh new look to the platform, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The new design language will provide a more intuitive experience for users, making it easier to navigate and access the information they need.
Actionable Insights
If you’re a Wear OS user, keep an eye out for updates to your apps and Tiles. The new Material 3 Expressive design is already rolling out, and you’ll want to be among the first to experience the changes.
Summary
Google is giving us a sneak peek at the upcoming Material 3 Expressive design on Wear OS 6, and it’s looking promising. With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, the new design language will provide a more intuitive experience for users. While we’ll have to wait until later this year to see the full rollout, the early updates to apps and Tiles are a promising sign of things to come.