These wearable operating system innovations are changing the face of smartwatches and other forms of wearable tech. While mobile technology continues to advance, wearable tech manages to squeeze cutting-edge features into devices that are small enough to fit the human body. However, it is not the hardware that makes these devices so impressive, but the operating systems that they run on.
One of the most popular operating systems for wearable devices is Android Wear. Android Wear enables smartwatches to perform a variety of cutting-edge tasks that help consumers stay connected throughout the day. For example, smartwatches that run on Android Wear are equipped with everything from voice activation to accelerometer integration.
While Android Wear mainly allows wearable devices to perform the same kinds of tasks as Android devices, there are other wearable operating systems that feature more proprietary software. For example, the latest software update for the Apple Watch features custom complications that allow developers to display the most important features of a given app directly on the face of the device. The Watch OS 2 system also allows users to carry out tasks such answering emails or accessing transit directions.
As the consumer demand for wearable tech continues to grow, developers are increasingly turning their attention to the operating systems that power these devices.
21 Wearable Operating System Innovations
21
Low-Cost Compatible Smartwatches
The Alcatel OneTouch Watch Works With Both iOS and Android
20
Luxury Swiss Smartwatches
Android Wear is Now Available for Tag Heuer Watches
19
Dark Luxurious Smartwatches
Tag Heuer Continues to Tease its Upcoming Android Wear Smartwatch
18
Round-Faced Smartwatches
The Huawei Watch Android Wear Device Features a Classy Round Dial
17
Elegant Handcrafted Smartwatches
The Asus ZenWatch Blends Classic Watch Design & Modern Technology
16
Sophisticated Smart Watches
The LG Watch Urbane Blends Classic Aesthetics With Modern Technology
15
Stylish Versatile Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Comes in Three Models with Six Different Straps
14
Stylish Round Smartwatches
The Samsung Gear S2 is a Sleek Take on Wearable Technology
13
Battery-Preserving Smartwatches
'Vector' Released a New Smartwatch with Extended Battery Life
12
Holistic Health Trackers
This Smartband is Designed to Measure Wearers' Well-Being at All Times
11
Upgraded Connected Smartwatches
The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition Has a Higher Resolution Display
10
Gesture-Controlled Smartwatches
The Deus Ex Aria Enables Hands-Free Interaction With Your Watch
9
Group Communication Devices
This Walkie-Talkie Replacement Keeps You Connected
8
Android-Powered Smartwatches
The LG 'G Watch' Can Be Linked to Android Smartphones and Apps
7
Car-Controlled Smartwatches
The Hyundai Android Wear App is Demonstrated at CES 2015
6
Digital Coaching Smartwatches
Onyx Motion is Building Android Wear-Based Coaching Solutions
5
Trailblazing Smartwatches
The Samsung Gear Live is Samsung's First Android Wear-Based Smartwatch
4
Camera-Packing Smartwatches
The Epic Signature Edition Smartwatch Can Take High-Quality Photos
3
Real World VR Headsets
These Glasses by Magic Leap Project Images Onto the Real World
2
Contemporary Smartphone Watches
Motorola's Smartwatch the Moto360 Combines Past with the Future
1
Improved Smartwatch Interfaces
The Google Android Wear Provides a Passive Approach to Data Display
Related Ideas
Industrial Design Smartwatches
The 176 CS-500 Smartwatch by Carl Hauser Has a Rugged Form
Luxury Watchmaker Smartphones
The Realme 12 Pro+ Rolex Edition Plays Homage to Classic Timepieces
Conceptual AI-Powered Wearables
The Rabbit R1 AI Watch by Alisher Ashimov is Feature-Rich
Wrist-Worn eSports Watches
The Conceptual MSI Gaming PC Watch by Eslam Mhd is Dragon-Themed
Virus-Detecting Smartwatches
Designer Dot's VICLONE Smart Watch Detects Known Viral Infectants
Retro-Futurism Smartwatch Designs
The Conceptual 'JUSTWATCH' by Jacek Janiczak is Feature-Rich
Wearable Temperature Control Units
The Sony REON POCKET 5 Offers 17-Hours of Climate Control
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Noninvasive Smartwatch Glucose Monitors
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Will Have Advanced Sensors
Multi-Sport Lifestyle Smartwatches
The COROS PACE 3 Has a Lightweight, Low-Profile Design
Satellite-Enabled Gold Watches
Huawei Releases the 'Ultimate Gold Edition' Timepiece
Luxury Automotive-Branded Smartwatches
The Bugatti Ceramique Titane Edition Smartwatch is Sleek
Rectangular AMOLED Smartwatches
The Amazfit Band 7 Offers 18 Days of Battery Life
Malleable Wearable Smartphones
The Motorola Adaptive Display Concept Bends to Sit on the Wrist
Rotating Button Panel Smartphones
The Conceptual 'PHONE ONE' by Wayne Lu Adapts to Usage Needs
Angled Dual-Display Smartwatches
This Apple Watch Concept by Tien Hung Optimizes Efficiency
Productivity-Focused Smart Glasses
The ASUS AirVision M1 Has Dual 1080p Micro OLED Displays
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
Smartphone Standby Display Features
iPhone StandBy Mode Makes Use of the Device When Charging
Luxury Flagship Smartwatch Models
The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Has a 1.5-Inch LTOP AMOLED
Luxury Smartwatch Models
The Latest TAG Heuer Connected Wearables Come in Two Options
Low-Cost Feature-Packed Smartwatches
The CMF Watch Pro Offers 13 Days of Battery Life
High-Power Rugged Smartwatches
The TicWatch Pro 5 Features the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
Athletic Nordic Smartwatches
The New Polar Vantage V3 Smartwatch has a Classy Aesthetic
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
Japan-Inspired Wearable Watch Rings
Casio and Stasto Stand Stones Present Timepiece Rings
Electronic Waste-Made Mechanic Watches
NanoRobotGeek Developed a DIY Apple Watch Out of E-Waste
Integrated Smartwatch Pillbox Concepts
The Apple Watch Pillbox is an Imagined Medical Design
Versatile Women-Focused Smartwatches
Garmin Unveils a Sleek New Wearable Smartwatch for Women
AI-Fueled Smartwatch Concepts
Rabbit Joins Teenage Engineering on the R1 Smartwatch Design
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
Mobile Operating System Updates
Nothing Released its OS 2.0 for its Original Phone 1
Tech-Infused Analog Radios
Mark Choi Blends Retro Aesthetics and Modern Technology with i Ready O
Gesture-Controlling Smart Tech
The Wow Mouse App Transforms Android Smartwatches into Controllers
AI-Powered Smartwatch Designs
Crossbeats Unveils the New 'Crossbeats Nexus' Smartwatch
Smartphone Interface Trial Apps
The Samsung 'Try Galaxy’ App Lets Users Experience a New UI
High-End Rugged Smartphone Models
This iPhone Ultra Concept by Jimmy Huynh Has a High-End Design
Clutch Purse Smartphone Concepts
The Honor V Purse Transforms the Mobile Device into an Accessory
Breathing Exercise Wearables
The Oxa Breathing Wearable Helps Users Take Control of Every Breath
Advanced Golfer Smartwatches
The Garmin Approach S70 Has Over 43,000 Preloaded Courses
Tablet-Integrated Fashion
The Lenovo Tab Wear Collection Explores the Concept of "Me Time"
Detachable Dial Smartwatches
The Huawei Watch GT Cyber Easily Switches into Different Cases
Strength Training Wearables
Whoop's Strength Training Feature Measures a Workout's Muscular Load
Budget-Conscious Entry-Level Smartwatches
The Amazfit Bip 5 Has a 1.9-Inch Ultra-Large Display
Healthy Habit-Promoting Wearables
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Has a Rotating Bezel
Ruggedized Sustainable Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Powered by the S9 SiP
Carbon-Neutral Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Series 9 Shows off a Gesture Control Interface
Hand-Worn Athlete Smart Displays
The 'zIng' Hand-Worn Smart Display by Anuj Pate is Intuitive
Clock-Style Smartwatch Chargers
The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger is Handy
Wearable Stress Management Monitors
Stress & Anxiety Monitor App is a Tool That Records Triggers
Sleek Fitness Smartwatches
Garmin Unveils the New Forerunner Smartwatches with a 23-Day Battery
Curvaceous Zinc Alloy Smartwatches
The Amazfit Pop 3S Has a 1.96-Inch AMOLED Display
Hybrid Health-Tracking Smartwatches
The Withings ScanWatch Light Offers Health Guidance
Earbud-Equipped Smartwatches
The WatchOut WearPods Smartwatch Has a Multifunctional Design
Flagship Health Wearable Smartwatches
The Google Pixel Watch 2 Integrates FitBit Technology
Cohesive Ecosystem Smart Rings
The Samsung Galaxy Ring Made its Debut at MWC 2024
Advanced Contextual Awareness Wearables
The Humane Ai Pin Connects Users Without Smartphones
Comprehensive Health Fitness Trackers
The HONOR Band 9 Has a 1.57-Inch AMOLED Display
Sporty Smartwatch Models
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Now Comes in Three New Models
Sporty Vital-Tracking Smartwatches
The Polar Vantage V3 Boasts a Triple-Sensor Array
Hybrid Fitness Smartwatches
The Moto Watch 40 Strikes a Balance Between Device Styles
Health-Tracking Smart Rings
The 'Helio Ring' Monitors Exercise, Sleep and Health Metrics
Wearable Athlete Smartphone Controllers
The Easy Control Wearable Remote Streamlines Media Access
Temperature-Tracking Fitness Smartwatches
The Polar Ignite 3 Titanium Has 24/7 Activity Tracking
Automated Insulin Delivery Wearables
The Tandem Mobi Works with or Without a Smartphone
Pebble-Like Handheld Health Devices
The OPPO OHealth H1 Has a Six-in-One Design
Partnership Gaming Handhelds
Ayaneo Partnered with Qualcomm on the 'Pocket S' Android Device
AI Wellness Companions
NOWATCH Insights Delivers Personalized Well-Being Insights in a Custom Way
Wearable PC Keyboard Controllers
The Grab Shell is a New Multifunctional Handheld Keyboard Design
Muscle-Monitoring Health Wearables
The CLOMP Muscle Oxygen Monitor Captures Real-Time Data
Metallic Designer Smartwatches
The Xiaomi Watch S2 Has a Circular, Stainless Steel Design
Fingerprint Scanner Displays
Samsung Display Presents the Sensor OLED in LA This Week
Luxe Limited-Edition Smartwatches
The Amazfit GTR 4 Limited Edition Has a Stainless Steel Frame
High-End Timepiece Smartwatches
The Hublot Big Bang e Gen 3 Has the Qualcomm snapdragon Wear 4100+
Customizable Child Smartwatches
The X6Play Smartwatch is a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree
Smartwatch Protection Bands
Moving Bodies Forward Launched an Impact Protection Band for Watches
Health-Tracking Sleek Wearables
The Ring One Features a Plethora of Tracking Technology
Future-Facing Smart Home Displays
The 'Overlay' Display by Susanna Kim is Packed with Sensors
Senior-Centric Smartwatches
This Standalone Smartwatch Links Seniors With Their Service Providers
Stylish Sensor-Packed Smartwatches
The Huawei Watch GT4 Comes in Two Size Options
Confetti-Style Pride Month Accessories
The Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Band Raises Awareness
Unique Dual-Boot Laptops
Lenovo's Latest Hybrid Laptop Combines Windows and Android in One
Fall-Detecting Smart Watches
The MobileHelp Smart is Always Connected to its Alert System
Motion-Sensing Wristwatches
The Casio Digital Basic GDB500 Series Shares Simple Step Trackers
AMOLED Fitness Watches
PLAYFIT Debuts a AMOLED Smartwatch for the PLAYFIT Companion App
Large Display Smartwatches
The Redmi Smart Band 2 has a 1.47" Screen and 100+ Face Options
Off-Grid Adventurer Smartwatches
These New Garmin Smartwatches Offer Precision Tracking
Retina-Level Display Smartwatches
Fire-Boltt Releases Its Latest Collide Smartwatch in India
Smart Wearable Pet Trackers
ANOCRD Design Creates the Sustainable GoChip Device for Pets
Efficiently Rechargeable Smartwatches
Andrea Mangone's Vessel Can Recharge on Your Wrist
Neural Interface Wristbands
This New Wristband Enables Gesture Control Of Apple Devices
Stroke Recovery Wearable Systems
This System Uses a Earpiece & Watch to Help Prompt Mobility
Wellness-Focused AI Watches
Citizen is Launching Its AI-Powered ‘CS Smart Watch' for Wellness
Nap-Detecting Smartwatches
This Fitness Smartwatch Incorporates Naps Into Your Rest Metrics
Dazzling Display Athlete Smartwatches
The GARMIN Forerunner 265 and 965 Have AMOLED Displays
Wilderness-Ready Smartwatch Models
The Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition Has an Adaptive Display
Bike-Connected Smartwatch Apps
The Peloton Watch App Uses the Google Wear OS Watch as a Sensor
Curvaceous Display Smartwatches
The Oppo Watch 4 Pro Has a Stainless Steel Build and More
Foldable Flagship Smartphone Models
The OnePlus Open Prioritizes Mobile Productivity
Streamlined Phone Operating Systems
Xiaomi Announced its Next-Gen Mobile OS 'HyperOS'
Refined Sleek Smartwatch Updates
Samsung Adds New Upgrades to the Galaxy Watch6 Series
Metabolism-Enhancing Platforms
Signos is a Health-Focused Wearable and App Platform
Pebble-Shaped Health Devices
OPPO's New OHealth H1 is a User-Friendly Health Device System
Industrial Gesture Control Smartwatches
The SnapSync Band-1 has an Open-Source Build
Health-Focused Smart Rings
Samsung Showcases the Galaxy Ring to Track Health Stats
Electrocardiogram Smartwatch Apps
Garmin Develops its Own Wearable ECG App for Health Monitoring
Opulent Workout-Tracking Smartwatches
The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro Smartwatch Runs the Google Wear OS
Steel-Reinforced Smartwatch Cases
The NOMAD Rugged Case Offers Hardwearing Protection
Always-On Display Smartwatches
The Redmi Watch 3 Has a 1.75-Inch AMOLED Display
Wellness-Centric Wearable Gadgets
The Apollo Neuro Wearable is Described to be a Wearable Hug
Efficient Productivity Smartwatches
The OnePlus Watch 2 Will Offer 100-Hours of Power Per Charge
Intuitive Technology Widget Features
Apple Launches New Widgets to the New MacOS Sonoma Update
Fitness Tracking Smartwatch Tech
Powered by Polar is Releasing to a Series of Smartwatches
Stress-Reducing Screenless Watches
NOWATCH Brings the First "Awareable" to CES 2023
Personalized Fitness Plan Smartwatches
The Amazfit Active Smartwatch Has a BioTracker PPG Sensor
Eye-Tracking Interface Smartphones
The Honor Magic 6 Will Feature the Magic Capsule Technology
Health-Centric Smart Rings
The Circular Ring Helps Users Better Understand their Overall Health
Health-Centric Smart Timepieces
Fossil's Wear OS 3 Watch is Designed Around Health and Wellness
Wearable Health-Management Sunglasses
The 'iSportWear' from 'ITRI' Monitors Physiological Data
Earbud-Equipped Smartwatches
The Huawei Watch Buds Smartwatch Has a 1.43-Inch AMOLED Display
Smart-Designed Fitness-Tracking Wearables
Xiaomi Unveils Its Latest Smart Band 8
Handheld Gaming Operating Systems
'PlaytronOS' is Optimized for Small Screens and Gamepad Use
Wellness Energy-Monitoring Smartwatches
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 Features Body Battery Monitor
Advanced Carbon Fiber Smartwatches
The Garmin MARQ Carbon Includes Three Device Models
Advanced Mini Fitness Trackers
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 Has a 1.6-Inch AMOLED
Multicolor Bezel-Equipped Watches
Samsung Stocks the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic in New Colorways
Smartwatch Sleep Apnea Detections
Samsung Develops a New Galaxy Watch Feature for Sleep
Sleek Titanium Smartwatch Bands
Sandmarc Unveils a Special Strap for the Watch Ultra
Planet-Resembling Watch Faces
Samsung Presents its Galaxy Time Series of Timepieces
Watch-Compatible Audiobook Apps
Audible Releases a New Application Compatible with Wear OS
Safety-Prioritizing Smartwatches
Google Launched a Fall Detection Feature for the Pixel Watch
Breathing Disorder Smartwatch Features
Samsung Announced Sleep Apnea Detection for Its Wearables
Personalized TV Operating Systems
The webOS Software Will Greatly Enhance LG Smart TVs
Smartwatch-Compatible Wireless Pumps
The Willow 3.0 Pump is Now Compatible with Apple Watch
Subscription-Based Smartwatch Makers
Mobvoi Turns its Attention to Subscription Services
Magnetic Band Upgraded Smartwatches
The Upcoming Apple Watch X Will Have Thinner Cases
OLED Gaming Handhelds
AYANEO Announced the Android-Based 'Pocket Air' Gaming Device
India-Exclusive Tech Accessories
pTron Launches a New Smartwatch and Earbuds Combination
AI-Assistive Smartwatch Updates
Fossil Group Adds New Assistive Updates to the Wear OS 3
Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features
Apple Adds the New Bold Assistive Access Feature