• Source:JND
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Google's Wear OS 6 update is finally coming to older Pixel Watch models, bringing the Material 3 Expressive design to its predecessors. The update, launched alongside the Pixel Watch 4 in August, features fresh new looks along with new animations and a smoother look and feel to operating the interface. But one feature that’s still absent is the always-on display (AOD) media controls — and new reports indicate it could be heading our way later this year.

AOD Media Controls Coming “Later This Year”

Google has reportedly confirmed that the AOD media control option is slated to launch "later this year for Pixel Watch." It could all come down to the phrasing — the company didn’t mention any specific model, which implies that it’s feature will hit all compatible devices: that likely includes the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 4.

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So far, Google hasn’t offered a solid rollout window or any device-based confirmation. But the feature is likely to be included in a quarterly Pixel Watch update, that should fall around December 2025. If that gets pushed back, owners of previous models could expect to see it in early 2026.

What the Feature Does

Google first detailed its new AOD experience back in May, explaining that Wear OS 6 would allow “the previous top activity to remain visible and in a resumed state when the device enters system ambient mode.”

In other words, if you’re wearing one and listening to some tunes or a podcast, the media controls and track will remain visible even when the screen lights down or goes dark. That means no more waking the screen just to pause a track, or see whose song is playing — key controls are always in hand.

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Consistent Wear OS Experience Across Generations

Now that Wear OS 6 is coming to the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, Google looks like it’s concentrating on delivering feature parity across generations. Material 3 is already making the design consistent, and adding AOD media controls will knock down one of the last few obstacles still standing between folks who have a newer Nest Hub or one of the older models.

If the rollout goes as planned, users can expect the AOD media controls update by year-end — giving Pixel Watch owners a more seamless and glanceable music experience that better matches the premium hardware.