At Google I/O 2026, Wear OS 7 took a backseat to a broader push into AI-driven health services. While the update includes modest improvements like 10% better battery life, smaller widgets, and expanded Gemini integration for select watches, it was not a centerpiece of the event. Instead, Google emphasized its new AI health coach, powered by Gemini, which analyzes biometric data and medical records to offer personalized recommendations through a $10 monthly Premium subscription.

The company also unveiled the Fitbit Air, a $100 screenless tracker designed as an entry point into Google’s health ecosystem. Paired with a redesigned Fitbit app now serving as Google Health hub, the strategy signals a shift: hardware is increasingly a data-gathering layer for AI services. This mirrors industry trends, with Apple and Whoop also investing in AI coaching.

Privacy remains a key concern. Despite Google’s assurances, the handling of sensitive health data—especially medical records—has not been fully detailed. As AI becomes central to health tracking, user trust in data security will be critical. Wear OS 7 is now available in a Canary emulator for developers, with a wider consumer rollout expected later in 2026.