Google recently rolled out the Wear OS 6 update to older Pixel Watch models, introducing a refined Material 3 Expressive design language. While the Google Pixel Watch 4 launched with this new operating system in August, it notably lacked a crucial feature: always-on display (AOD) functionality for media controls. However, fresh reports suggest this highly anticipated capability is on track for release later this year, integrated into the next quarterly Pixel Watch update.
AOD Media Controls Expected for Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2
Despite the Google Pixel Watch 4, Watch 3, and Watch 2 all having the Wear OS 6 update available, certain features that Google previewed in May were not included in the initial rollout. A report from 9to5Google confirms that Google is indeed targeting the media controls update for “later this year for Pixel Watch.”
The report speculates that Google’s general mention of “Pixel Watch” – rather than specifying only the current generation – indicates that AOD media controls are likely to become available on older Pixel Watch models as well. However, official confirmation for this broader rollout from Google is still pending.
The exact timing for this feature’s release remains a point of speculation. Given its inclusion in the next quarterly Pixel Watch update, a December rollout seems plausible. It is not yet clear whether older Pixel Watch devices will receive this update simultaneously, with a worst-case scenario suggesting it might extend into early 2026 for those models.
Google had previously committed in May to delivering a consistent AOD experience with Wear OS 6. This means the last active application would remain visible and in a “resumed” state even when the device enters its system ambient mode. The company specifically highlighted media controls as an example, assuring users that their current music and playback controls would be continuously visible without requiring active device interaction.