logo
If your favorite Android watch face disappears next year, this might be why

If your favorite Android watch face disappears next year, this might be why

Phone Arena12-06-2025
Google introduced WFF back in 2023 as a new way to design watch faces using XML templates. Since then, it has allowed both WFF and non-WFF designs to exist on the Play Store. But starting in early 2025, Google began tightening the rules. Developers could no longer publish new watch faces using the older AndroidX or Wearable Support Library (WSL), although updates were still allowed. That grace period is now coming to an end.
Here's what will happen in January 2026:
Users won't be able to install legacy watch faces from the Play Store.
Developers won't be able to update existing legacy watch faces.
Monetization features like one-time purchases, in-app items, and subscriptions will no longer be available for these older watch faces. Existing purchases will continue to work, but auto-renewals will stop.
Examples of Wear OS watch faces using the Watch Face Format (WFF). | Image credit — Google
Google says that any developers who want to keep their watch faces available must migrate them to the Watch Face Format before the deadline. This includes developers who use Watch Face Studio, who will need to update to version 1.8.7 or later when resubmitting.
WFF brings some clear benefits. Because it's based on XML templates, it helps watch faces run more efficiently, uses less power, and keeps animations smoother. But it's not without downsides. Some users and developers feel the new format limits creative options, especially for more complex or interactive designs.
Still, this change has been coming for a while. Google's goal is to make the watch face experience more consistent across devices, which could be helpful as Wear OS continues to expand. Compared to Apple's limited watch face options and Samsung's increasing focus on AI-based designs, Google is trying to strike a balance between openness and stability.
That said, users who prefer older watch faces should install them before the cutoff. While already-installed designs will continue to work, they may not receive updates or support going forward, so — you have been warned. For some, this shift could mean saying goodbye to their favorite designs unless developers act in time, so time is of the essence.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

As the beta ends, T-Mobile forces some new T-Satillite subscribers to make a call or visit a store
As the beta ends, T-Mobile forces some new T-Satillite subscribers to make a call or visit a store

Phone Arena

time10 minutes ago

  • Phone Arena

As the beta ends, T-Mobile forces some new T-Satillite subscribers to make a call or visit a store

As you might know, T-Mobile 's T-Satellite service allows a smartphone user in an area where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity to stay connected via Starlink satellites. At first, users will be limited to sending and receiving text messages and sharing their location via their phone's messaging app. Picture and voice messaging via satellite is also being pushed out now by T-Mobile . The carrier says that next, satellite data from optimized apps will be available. Eventually, users will be able to make and take calls via satellite. T-Mobile users won't have to point their phones at the sky in order to connect to a signal from a satellite. When connected to a satellite, the phone owner will see a SAT icon in the upper right of the phone's screen. T-Mobile points out that there may be short gaps in service when satellites are moving. During one of these short gaps, messages might take longer than usual to send. Even if this is the case, your phone will keep trying to deliver the message, even if you leave your device in your pocket." With the free beta for T-Satellite coming to a close last week, T-Mobile subscribers on the pricier Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans get T-Satellite as a free perk. Other T-Mobile subscribers on other qualified plans can add the service for $10 per month for a limited time. Eventually, T-Satellite will cost them $15 per month. Non- T-Mobile customers can also sign up for T-Satellite at a rate of $10 per month for a limited time. Eventually, T-Satellite will cost them $15 per month as well. Non-T-Mobile customers who want to subscribe to T-Satellite must now make a call or visit a T-Mobile store. | Image credit-T-Mobile Why did T-Mobile make this change? The carrier says, "Since T-Satellite is now commercially available, we wanted to ensure there wasn't any confusion around the setup or activation process which is why we are directing non T-Mobile customers to call or visit a retail store." Keep in mind that there are 60 eligible devices that work with T-Satellite right now: Apple iPhone 13 iPhone 14 iPhone 15 iPhone 16 (all models) Google Motorola moto edge 2025 moto g 5G 2025 moto g 2024 moto g power 5G 2025 moto razr 2024 moto razr+ 2024 moto razr 2025 moto razr+ 2025 moto razr ultra 2025 Samsung

The most popular free app in the App Store is the victim of a data breach
The most popular free app in the App Store is the victim of a data breach

Phone Arena

time7 hours ago

  • Phone Arena

The most popular free app in the App Store is the victim of a data breach

I don't know about you, but I have found AI apps to be extremely useful when I need a question answered. Instead of using Siri, I have the Action Button on my iPhone 15 Pro Max set to open ChatGPT and I can get a question answered faster, and more in depth. Of course, iPhone units running Apple Intelligence do have the option of having a question they ask Siri turned over to the conversational AI platform when Siri cannot properly deliver an answer. The point here is that ChatGPT is so useful to iPhone users that it has been the top free app in the App Store. Notice the use of the past tense in that sentence. That's because a new app has wrestled away the top spot from ChatGPT. It must be another cutting-edge AI app designed to blow you away by delivering ridiculously fast and accurate responses to your questions, right? Bzzzz! Wrong. It's actually a dating app called Tea Dating Advice. Tea is the number one free app in the Apple App Store. | Image credit-PhoneArena Yes, it seems a little jarring when the top free app in the App Store goes from one that uses cutting-edge technology to an app that helps women improve their chances of having a successful first date. Unlike Tinder, Bumble, or Match, which helps women find a date, Tea uses its anonymous community of females to find out if there are any red flags that should make a woman put the kibosh on a possible first date. The developer of Tea says that the app provides a level of security that other dating apps don't offer. Because women share their dating experiences with the men they dated, the app can deliver a warning about an upcoming date. The app allows users to run background checks to see whether someone they want to date is on a sex offender list or has a criminal record. This makes Tea the perfect "companion app" for any of the dating apps a female might use. To make sure that only women are subscribed to the app, Tea asks for a selfie to verify a potential subscriber's gender. This is done to prevent subscribers from engaging in a catfish scheme where a person uses the pictures of another person and claims to be that individual. Keep in mind that much of the information that you look up in the Tea app can be found elsewhere. After all, there is a Facebook Group titled, "Are we dating the same guy?" And while the latter group also allows women to exchange notes about their dates, the Tea app has a major advantage over its rivals. Its website notes that it has over 1.6 million users, increasing the possibility that information about a potential date can be found on Tea. It also makes it more likely that there is information about a possible date from multiple women. More information about a person a woman might date means increasing the odds that she can make an informed decision. According to CBS News, this past Friday, Tea was the subject of a data breach as a digital storage system was accessed by attackers. The storage system contained information from before February 2024, including selfies. The hackers were able to view 60,000 images from posts, comments, and direct messages. In a statement, the company said, "Tea has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts and is working around the clock to secure its systems. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that additional user data was affected." You can install the app from the App Store for iPhone users by tapping on this link. Android users can also get the "tea" on someone before going on a possible first date with that person. To download the app from the Google Play Store, tap on this link.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ still shines with a decent Amazon discount
The Galaxy Tab A9+ still shines with a decent Amazon discount

Phone Arena

time11 hours ago

  • Phone Arena

The Galaxy Tab A9+ still shines with a decent Amazon discount

Galaxy Tab A9+: Get for 27% off at Amazon $60 off (27%) The Galaxy Tab A9+ is once again stealing the show at Amazon. Right now, the budget tablet is 27% off in Graphite, making it way cheaper than usual. This is the 64GB variant; 128GB models get significantly less appealing discounts right now. Buy at Amazon Android tablet Receive the latest mobile news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Prime Day came and went, sweeping its epic Galaxy Tab A9+ discount. After the July event, the Samsung tablet was going for 23% off its original price. However, Amazon has now dropped the price a bit further, making it harder to pass up. Right now, the device is going for 27% off in its base storage version, bringing it just under the $160 Prime Day saw the ~$220 device drop by 40%, but the current promo is still quite exciting. For one thing, you won't find it $60 cheaper at the Samsung Store, Best Buy, or even Walmart. If you missed out during Amazon's summer savings event, this is your next best chance to grab this Android tablet at a serious Galaxy Tab A9+ certainly can't compete with the Tab S10 series or the Tab S10 FE , but it's still one of the best budget tablets . It's slim, durable, and lightweight, with an 11-inch 90Hz display that's ideal for browsing, streaming, or casual perfect for the entire family, not just adults, too. With built-in Samsung Kids support, it doubles as a safe and reliable place for kids to learn and the hood, you've got a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, which promises more than enough horsepower for an enjoyable day-to-day experience. Sure, it won't give you insane multitasking potential, but it still handles everyday use without a things out is a quad speaker setup with Dolby Atmos, expandable storage options (up to 1TB), and a decent 7,040mAh battery that should last all day. As you can see, the Tab A9+ checks all the right boxes: sleek design, vibrant visuals, immersive sound, and decent what more could you need from a sub-$160 tablet? Get the Galaxy Tab A9+ at Amazon in one of two available colors and save $60 while it lasts.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store