Xiaomi has recently launched its Watch S1 Pro globally, which runs on MIUI Watch OS, similar to most high-end Xiaomi smartwatches. However, according to insider information obtained by 9to5Google, Xiaomi’s upcoming smartwatch will run on Google’s Wear OS platform.
Although information about Xiaomi’s new Wear OS watch is scarce at the moment, it is expected that the device will run on Wear OS 3 – the same software as the Pixel Watch, Samsung’s current Galaxy Watches, and a few other wearables. This means that the watch will have access to Google apps and services, unlike current Xiaomi watches.
Xiaomi released its first Wear OS watch in 2019, but it was skinned with MIUI for Watch, a custom version of Wear OS. The device did not have access to many of Google’s services essential to the Wear OS platform, such as the Google Play Store.
Moving into the actual Wear OS landscape will be a significant milestone for Xiaomi. For one, none of the top Chinese phone brands that sell smartwatches have a Wear OS 3-powered device yet. Secondly, Xiaomi will finally be able to harness the power of the Play Store and other Google apps to attract new customers.
As for the release timeline, the insider did not provide any clarity to 9to5Google. However, the publication expects a 2023 release. The informant did say that such a device would come under the “Xiaomi Watch” branding, similar to the current range of Xiaomi’s non-Wear OS watches.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s move to Wear OS is a significant development for the company and the smartwatch market. It will be interesting to see how Xiaomi’s new Wear OS watch will fare against other established players in the market. With access to Google apps and services, Xiaomi may be able to attract more customers and compete more effectively in the smartwatch space.