These operating systems provide different functionality, customization, and feedback to their respective devices.
We compared the two to help you decide which one is right for you.
Overall Findings
Swipe to move between screens.
Use voice commands to navigate and access features.
Home screen is a clock with apps stored in another place.
Use voice control with Siri to dictate messages and make phone calls.
Locked to one throw in of phone.
Which wearable operating system you go with will largely depend on what kind of phone you use.
gear Compatibility: Wear OS Offers More Choice
Pairs with Android and iOS devices.
Available on multiple devices.
Only works with iPhones.
Available for Apple Watch.
Smartwatches pair with your phone using Bluetooth to bring notifications and other functionality to the watch display.
This only works when the devices are compatible.
If you have an Apple phone, you’re able to use Wear OS.
However, you won’t get full connectivity with your apps.
As far as devices that support each operating system, Wear OS offers more flexibility.
It’s available on dozens of smartwatches from manufacturers including LG, Samsung, and Motorola.
watchOS is only available on the Apple Watch, which has multiple models with different functionalities.
Interface: A Matter of Preference
Interacts with Google Assistant.
Interface is window or panel-based.
Physical buttons depend on equipment; navigate with taps and swipes.
Interface based on apps.
Navigate using taps, swipes, voice commands, side button, and Digital Crown.
On a Wear OS smartwatch, context-based updates pop up on the screen.
Plus, navigating the Wear OS interface is easy; simply swipe to move from one screen to another.
The Apple Watch UI is different from the Wear OS interface.
It’s an attractive and colorful setup, though it might look too busy for some users.
To jump into an app, tap its icon.
The Apple Watch also has a side button that shows recently opened apps and unlocks Apple Pay.
watchOS provides a few more options based on the Apple Watch standard, physical buttons.
Voice control via Siri, the same digital assistant as on other Apple devices.
The microphone works with the speaker to allow phone calls and a walkie-talkie function.
Dictate text messages, open apps, control smart home accessories.
Wear OS offers support for voice commands that work as shortcuts on your smartwatch.
For example, set reminders, send short text messages, and display directions.
Theres no built-in speaker, but calls can be answered from the watch.
Because watchOS has Siri in it, it has most of the voice-control functions as the iPhone.
Apps: Both Platforms Have What You Need
Thousands of available apps.
Dedicated section in the Google Play store.
While apps run directly on the watch, many mirror the iPhone version.
Both Wear OS and the Apple Watch have thousands of compatible apps, and the number continues to grow.
With the American Airlines app, Apple Watch users can scan boarding passes from their wrists.
Both platforms have impressive apps, however.
Final Verdict
Both platforms have strengths and weaknesses.
As of now, Apple Watch supports more of the apps you’re likely to use.
It also offers a unique, visually striking interface.
Google Wear OS has a cleaner look and a wider variety of voice control options.
In any case, expect to see improvements on both platforms in the future.
Unfortunately, there’s no Apple Music app for Wear OS.
Toupdate watchOS, see to it your iPhone is up-to-date and near your watch.
Then, on your watch go toSettings>General>Software Updateand follow the on-screen instructions.
To refresh your Wear OS smartwatch, go toSettings>System>About>System Updates.
To toggle automatic updates, go toGoogle Play>parameters>Auto-update apps.
