As of January 2025, all new watch faces submitted to the Play Store must utilize the Watch Face Format, while existing watch faces can still receive updates.

During I/O 2025, Google unveiled version 4 of the Watch Face Format for Wear OS 6, introducing features such as photo support, ambient mode transitions, color enhancements, and text autosizing.

The upcoming Wear OS 6 is expected to significantly improve customization options and features, marking an exciting time for Wear OS enthusiasts.

To facilitate the transition to the Watch Face Format, Google is providing developers with resources that aim to streamline the migration process.

Developers are encouraged to adopt the new Watch Face Format, which not only enhances efficiency but also promises potential battery life improvements for Wear OS devices.

The Watch Face Format is a declarative XML format that simplifies development by removing the need for executable code, although it does limit certain functionalities.

Developers using Watch Face Studio must ensure they resubmit their watch faces using version 1.8.7 or higher to comply with the new requirements.

For those utilizing AndroidX or the Wearable Support Library (WSL), a migration to the Watch Face Format is mandatory, with a deadline set for January 2026.

From January 14, 2026, legacy watch faces built with AndroidX or WSL will be removed from the Play Store, although previously installed faces will still function without updates.

After this date, users will no longer be able to install legacy watch faces, and developers will be prohibited from updating these outdated versions.

In early 2026, Google Play will cease support for 'legacy' Wear OS watch faces, fully transitioning to the Watch Face Format introduced two years earlier.

The introduction of Watch Face Push will allow developers to create dedicated marketplaces for watch faces, enhancing distribution options.