Google Pixel Watch 4: Always-On Display Media Controls Coming Soon
The Google Pixel Watch 4, launched in August 2025, came with some cool upgrades like the Actua 360 Always-On Display (AOD) and the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 processor. But it missed one thing many were waiting for: AOD media controls. Now, recent reports says Google plans to bring this feature in a future update. This will let users control music and other media directly from the always-on screen without waking the watch fully, which sounds super handy.
What Are AOD Media Controls in Wear OS 6?
With the Wear OS 6 update, Google wants to improve the always-on display experience. AOD media controls will allow you to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume, all from the screen that’s always visible. That means you can manage your music or podcasts more easily, without constantly tapping your watch.
According to 9to5Google, the feature will roll out later this year, maybe in December, but exact timing for older Pixel Watches is still not confirmed.
Pixel Watch vs Other Smartwatches
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 4 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOD Media Controls | Coming Soon | Available | Available |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life with AOD | 30–40 hours | 40+ hours | 18 hours |
| Media Control Customization | Limited | Extensive | Moderate |
So if you compare, Samsung and Apple already got this feature. Google is catching up but still offers a solid experience especially after the upcoming update.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lets you control music or podcasts from always-on display
- Helps save battery by reducing screen wake-ups
- Works smoothly with Wear OS 6
Cons:
- Feature coming later than competitors
- Limited customization of media controls
- Might not work perfectly with all third-party apps
Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2: Who Gets It?
Even though Google mostly talks about Pixel Watch 4, older models like Watch 3 and Watch 2 are expected to get the AOD media controls too. It will be part of the Wear OS 6 updates. If you have an older Pixel Watch, you might need to wait till early 2026 in worst case scenario.
How This Improves User Experience
Before this update, you had to wake your watch fully to control music. Now, you can:
- See the current song on screen instantly
- Play, pause, skip, or adjust volume without unlocking
- Use battery more efficiently because screen wake time is reduced
This really makes a difference for users who use their watches for workouts or commuting.
FAQs
1. When will AOD media controls be available on Pixel Watch 4?
Google says it will be part of a future Wear OS 6 update, expected later this year.
2. Will older Pixel Watch models get it too?
Yes, Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 will probably get the feature along with Wear OS 6 update.
3. Will it drain battery faster?
Not really. Because the screen stays in ambient mode and you don’t need to fully wake it, it can even save some battery.
4. Can I customize the controls?
For now, customization is limited. You’ll get basic controls like play/pause and skip. Maybe more options will come later.
5. Will third-party apps work with AOD media controls?
It depends. Native apps will work well, but third-party app support may vary.
