Google Pixel Watch 5 and others get system-wide status bar

Alongside the release of Wear OS 7.1, Google has also released a new version of the Wear OS emulator, which includes a preview of a new status bar that is set to roll out in a future update to smartwatches such as the Google Pixel Watch 5 ($399 on Amazon). Similar to Android, this status bar appears at the top of the screen and displays both the current time and system status indicators, such as Bluetooth connection.

This status bar looks the same regardless of which app is currently open. Google refers to standardized typography and placement, while the color depends on the color palette selected by the user. Since space is very limited, especially on a round smartwatch display, Google automatically hides the status bar when users scroll through a list, for example. If the screen is not touched for two seconds, the status bar reappears. Google gives app developers the option to disable the status bar entirely on specific screens if it would interfere with an app's functionality.

In general, it will likely be a while before this status bar is implemented system-wide. This not only requires a version of Wear OS that has yet to be announced, but apps must also receive updates to API level 35 or higher for the status bar to be displayed. Once implemented, however, it should speed up interactions with a smartwatch, as users will need to navigate to the watch face or Quick Settings less frequently to see the time and system status.