Recent reports indicate that Google’s Gemini is beginning to take over the space traditionally held by the Assistant in Wear OS. A notable change has been observed: when users launch the Assistant on smartwatches, it now features Gemini’s logo as part of its splash screen. However, the underlying technology still relies on the existing Assistant AI. The integration of Gemini into Wear OS has been anticipated since early this year, with Google officially confirming plans in March.
According to tips sourced by Android Police, users of devices like the Galaxy Watch 4 are greeted by Gemini’s logo before the Assistant app fully loads. Despite this initial branding update, the Assistant remains the central function during app use, still displaying its original logo and color scheme. More reports have surfaced, including sightings of the Gemini logo on other devices, such as the OnePlus Watch 2. This suggests that Google is gradually rolling out Gemini across its wearable ecosystem.
Recently, Wear OS version 1.18 modified the app list by changing “Assistant” to “Digital Assistant,” further illustrating the gradual shift towards Gemini—though currently, the logo change appears to be merely symbolic. There has been a long-standing expectation for Gemini to be formally introduced on Wear OS, especially following an APK teardown in January hinting at a more interactive user experience. Google has hinted that users may engage with the AI in a manner reminiscent of the classic Assistant, likely with voice commands like “Hey Google.” While we await further details about Gemini’s complete functionality and its integration with existing extensions, the recent announcements and changes demonstrate that Google is gearing up for a substantial transition in its wearable technology landscape.