According to SamMobile, Google has started rolling out the Wear OS 6.1 update, which is based on Android 16, to its Pixel Watch lineup. The update is now available for the Wi-Fi-only and cellular models of the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and the newly announced Pixel Watch 4. A key new feature is enhanced AOD (Always-On Display) Media Controls, making it easier to manage music playback even when the watch face is dimmed. This report suggests that Samsung is likely to build its next One UI Watch version on top of this Wear OS 6.1 foundation. Currently, on Galaxy Watches, only YouTube Music properly supports AOD controls, while Spotify does not, leaving a clear gap for the update to fill.
The Spotify Problem, Finally Fixed?
Here’s the thing that drives users nuts: inconsistency. On a Galaxy Watch right now, if you’re using YouTube Music, the controls work fine on the dimmed always-on display. Switch to Spotify, and… nothing. You have to wake the watch fully to skip a track or pause. It’s a small thing, but it defeats the whole purpose of a quick glance. Wear OS 6.1 seems to be baking this functionality deeper into the system, which means app developers like Spotify would have less excuse for not supporting it properly. So a future One UI Watch based on 6.1 could finally be the update that makes this work universally. Wouldn’t that be nice?
More Than Just Media Controls
Now, AOD media controls are the headline grabber, but they’re just one piece. An update jumping to a new base like Android 16 suggests under-the-hood improvements for performance, battery life, and security. For Samsung, layering One UI Watch on top of a more stable, capable core means they can focus their efforts on their own unique features and polish rather than fixing Google’s groundwork. It’s a symbiotic relationship that’s actually been working pretty well lately. The real question is timing—when will Samsung get this built and pushed out to existing watches? That’s always the waiting game.
The Wear OS Ecosystem Play
Look, this is a smart move by Google. By getting these core features right on Pixel Watches first, they create a reference standard for partners like Samsung. It basically says, “Here’s how it should work.” For the Wear OS ecosystem to truly compete, these baseline experiences need to be solid across all devices. Fragmentation has been a historic weakness. So, while this is a minor update on the surface, it’s part of a larger, quieter effort to unify and strengthen the platform. And that’s good for everyone wearing a watch that isn’t made by Apple. I think we’ll see more of these foundational updates trickle down to major partners, making the whole ecosystem feel more cohesive.
