Google Discontinues Keep App for Apple Watch and Apple Removes Beloved Watch Faces in WatchOS 26

Google’s decision to discontinue its Keep app for the Apple Watch marks the end of an era for users who once relied on the note-taking app for quick reminders and lists on their wrist. The app, which launched in 2019, has slowly faded into the background over the years, receiving minimal updates, yet it had carved out a niche for users seeking a fast and simple way to jot down notes on their Apple Watch. With the latest update, Google has removed its support for the app, making it unavailable for Apple Watch users. This decision aligns with the company’s broader strategy of prioritizing platforms that support its own ecosystem, such as Wear OS and Google’s smartwatch platform. Consequently, Apple Watch users will now have to turn to alternative options like Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote, or third-party apps for note-taking. The app’s departure leaves only three remaining Google apps on watchOS: Calendar, Maps, and YouTube Music.

In other smartwatch news, Apple has unveiled watchOS 26, which brings a set of new features and design enhancements but also quietly removes five popular watch faces: Fire and Water, Gradient, Liquid Metal, Toy Story, and Vapor. These watch faces, which had become favorites among users, are no longer available after updating to the latest OS. This move continues Apple’s trend of streamlining its watch face library with each major software update. Last year’s watchOS 11 saw the removal of similar faces, such as Siri, Chronograph, Explorer, and Numerals.

What Undercode Says:

The decision by Google to discontinue the Keep app for Apple Watch and Apple’s removal of watch faces in watchOS 26 could be interpreted as part of a larger industry trend, where companies prioritize ecosystem integration and streamline product offerings. Google’s move to focus more on Wear OS and its own platform could be seen as a direct response to the growing competition in the smartwatch market, particularly with Apple leading the charge in the wearable tech space. The reduction of third-party apps on watchOS seems to be a strategy aimed at keeping Apple’s platform more self-contained and seamlessly integrated with its other services.

However, the removal of popular features—whether it’s Google Keep or beloved watch faces—can also alienate users who have come to rely on these features for convenience or customization. While it makes sense for companies to consolidate their platforms and align with their broader business strategies, it’s important to consider the user experience. A growing concern among Apple Watch users is the limited choice for personalization, especially when it comes to watch faces and note-taking apps. This could drive users to look for alternative platforms that offer more freedom of choice and greater user control.

Fact Checker Results:

1. Google

Google’s Strategy: ✅ Consistent with Google’s focus on Wear OS, moving away from cross-platform integrations like with Apple Watch.
Apple WatchOS 26 Watch Faces Removal: ✅ Accurate; five watch faces were removed, continuing Apple’s trend of streamlining its offerings with major updates.

📊 Prediction:

The discontinuation of the Keep app and removal of watch faces could signal a broader shift in how tech companies manage their ecosystem strategies. As Google and Apple focus more on their own ecosystems, we may see further streamlining of third-party apps and customization options on both Wear OS and watchOS. The next few updates could likely see even fewer third-party apps on these platforms as both companies push to make their devices more self-contained. This could push users to explore new, more flexible alternatives in the wearable tech market.