Clock app Pixel-only on Wear OS blocking updates for others

Google said on Thursday that its Clock app for Wear OS will be available only on Pixel Watch devices, a move that will block new downloads and Play Store updates for other smartwatches on the platform. The change affects the app that provides alarms, timers and a stopwatch, and follows a recent similar decision to limit the Weather app to Pixel Watches.

Under the new policy, Pixel Watches will continue to ship with the Clock app preinstalled and will receive updates. Devices that already have the Clock app installed will keep functioning, but Google said they will no longer receive Play Store updates. Users of nonPixel Wear OS watches who do not already have the app will need to rely on their watchmaker’s default clock application or third party alternatives; sideloading remains technically possible but does not restore integrated phonewatch functionality in all cases.

Google framed the decision as recognition that many watch brands already supply their own clock apps on Wear OS. The company said the Clock app is "no longer available for download on Wear OS smartwatches" unless it is preinstalled on a Pixel Watch. The restriction means nonPixel owners will miss the app’s...