Google finally offers an update on Wear OS 3.0 backwards compatibility

Google has offered an insight into backwards compatibility with Wear OS 3.0, its 'unified platform'. Yesterday, Qualcomm stated that its Snapdragon Wear 3100, Wear 4100 and Wear 4100+ platforms could run Wear OS 3.0, although there are no smartwatches with a Wear 4100+ SoC. However, while Qualcomm claimed that it was working with Google on bringing Wear OS 3.0 to its Snapdragon Wear platforms, Fossil and Mobvoi claim to be none the wiser about Google's plans.

According to Droid-Life and XDA Developers, a Google spokesperson informed them of the following:

User experience is a top priority for us. We have not confirmed eligibility or timeline on whether any Wear OS smartwatch will update to the new unified platform. There are many technical requirements in order to run the unified platform that ensures all components of the user experience are optimized.

Google's statement is not confidence-inspiring, in our opinion. It is encouraging to know that it may be testing Wear OS 3.0 on current smartwatches, even if they are less than a year old. Ultimately, we would only recommend buying a device on what software it has now, rather than what software it could have. It is not unreasonable to expect the TicWatch E3 to receive one update though, seeing as Mobvoi announced it this week.

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