Google Keep App for Apple Watch No Longer Available
Google Keep App No Longer Available on Apple Watch
Just as Google brought its Calendar app to the Apple Watch (read more here), another piece of Google's ecosystem on Apple's wearable has been removed: the Google Keep note-taking app. Google has silently discontinued the Apple Watch version of Keep, a move that's gone largely unnoticed by many users.
Google Keep, a popular free note-taking service, has been updated to version 2.2025.26200 (check the App Store). This update removes the Apple Watch application entirely. Importantly, the iPhone and iPad versions of Google Keep (iPhone and iPad versions remain unaffected by this change. The app continues to function normally on these devices. For users of Wear OS smartwatches, the Google Keep app remains fully available.
Reasons for the Discontinuation
The decision to remove Google Keep from Apple Watch doesn't come as a complete surprise. The app hadn't received a significant update in years. It lacked support for many basic Apple Watch features, such as complications (small data widgets displayed on the watch face). These features are crucial for a seamless user experience on a device with limited screen real estate.
The timing of the discontinuation is also interesting, coinciding with the launch of Apple's native Notes app for watchOS 26 (learn more about watchOS 26). This built-in Apple app offers similar functionality to Google Keep, potentially making a dedicated Google Keep app for the Apple Watch redundant for Google. With Apple providing a first-party solution, users already using the Apple ecosystem now have an integrated alternative.
The Google Keep app for Apple Watch as it looked upon its initial release in 2019.
Google's Continued Presence on Apple Watch
While Google Keep is no longer available on Apple Watch, Google's presence on the platform isn't completely gone. The recent release of the Google Calendar app for Apple Watch (more details here) shows Google's commitment to providing key services on Apple's ecosystem. This strategy allows users to seamlessly integrate Google services into their Apple Watch experience.
Following the removal of Google Keep, only a few Google apps remain available for Apple Watch: Google Maps, YouTube Music, and now Google Calendar. This suggests a strategic focus on providing applications with higher user demand and a greater need for immediate access on a wearable device.
Implications for Users
For users who relied on the Google Keep Apple Watch app, the discontinuation means they will need to find an alternative solution. The built-in Apple Notes app could be a suitable replacement, offering similar note-taking and list-making capabilities. Third-party apps on the Apple Watch App Store also provide various note-taking options.
The lack of a major announcement or explanation from Google regarding the discontinuation might leave some users feeling frustrated. However, considering the lack of updates and the arrival of a native alternative, this move is a logical streamlining of Google's focus for Apple Watch applications.
Conclusion
The removal of Google Keep from the Apple Watch represents a shift in Google's strategy for its Apple Watch offerings. Prioritizing apps like Google Calendar shows a focus on providing core services within the Apple ecosystem. While the absence of Google Keep will be felt by some users, the availability of viable alternatives and the lack of significant feature development in the Apple Watch app suggests it was a necessary step.
It highlights the competitive landscape of app development and the constant evolution of wearable technology. The decision reminds us that even popular apps are subject to change based on usage patterns, technological advancements, and evolving strategic priorities.
This article, "Google Keep App for Apple Watch No Longer Available" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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