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Google Keep Apple Watch App Removed: What Happened and What to Do Now

If you’re searching for why Google Keep is no longer available on Apple Watch, here’s the quick answer: as of July 2025, Google officially discontinued its Google Keep app for Apple Watch. The move came quietly with the rollout of version 2.2025.26200 of the Google Keep app, which removed support for watchOS without other major updates. While this may surprise many loyal users who relied on Google Keep for quick notes and reminders on their wrist, the decision reflects a broader shift in Google’s wearable strategy—and Apple’s new priorities with watchOS 26. In this post, we break down why this happened, what it means for current users, and the best alternatives going forward.

Image : Google

Why Did Google Discontinue Google Keep for Apple Watch?

The Google Keep Apple Watch app had not received meaningful updates for years. Unlike other well-maintained watchOS apps, Keep lacked support for key Apple Watch features such as complications, newer UI components, and seamless sync performance. Essentially, the app had become stagnant. With Google focusing its efforts on platforms like Wear OS and maintaining only its most essential apps for watchOS—like Google Maps, YouTube Music, and now Google Calendar—it’s clear that Google Keep was not a priority.

This move also coincides with Apple’s big update in watchOS 26, which includes a native Notes app for Apple Watch for the first time. Apple’s version offers tight integration with the iPhone, iCloud, and Siri, making it a compelling replacement. By removing Google Keep, Google may be streamlining its efforts toward apps that still hold a competitive edge on Apple’s wearable platform.

What Does This Mean for Google Keep Users on Apple Watch?

If you previously used the Google Keep Apple Watch app to jot down thoughts or reference lists, you’ll now need to turn to other tools. Although your existing notes will still be available on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you’ll no longer be able to access or edit them from your Apple Watch. The Google Keep app on the watch will simply disappear following the update—no workaround, no legacy access.

Google has not issued an official statement on the change, which may leave some users frustrated. However, this move is in line with the company’s broader wearable app strategy: focus on high-use, high-impact apps. For everyday note-taking on Apple Watch, users are now encouraged to try alternatives that better align with Apple’s ecosystem and watchOS updates.

Best Alternatives to Google Keep on Apple Watch in 2025

The good news? Apple’s new native Notes app for Apple Watch is a strong alternative. With iCloud sync, dictation support, and new complication widgets, it fills most of the gaps left behind by Google Keep. You can view, create, and edit notes right from your wrist—and everything stays in sync with your iPhone and Mac.

Other popular alternatives include:

• Microsoft OneNote: A feature-rich option with Apple Watch support that allows you to view quick notes and to-do lists.

• Bear Notes: Minimal, elegant, and tightly integrated with iOS. While the Apple Watch app is simple, it’s fast and reliable for viewing notes.

• Drafts: Great for capturing thoughts quickly on the go. It supports dictation and has one of the best Apple Watch note interfaces.

• Noted: A good app for voice notes, useful if you're often recording thoughts or reminders while walking.

Ultimately, if you’re a long-time Keep user, migrating your notes may be a small hassle, but it opens the door to more powerful and modern experiences on watchOS 26 and later.

What This Says About Google’s Wearable Strategy

The removal of the Google Keep Apple Watch app marks a strategic realignment from Google. In recent years, the company has been prioritizing apps with strong user retention on wearables. While Google Keep remains an essential app for note-taking on phones and tablets, its value on Apple Watch may not have justified ongoing development and support.

At the same time, Google is expanding its Wear OS platform and focusing on tighter integration with its Pixel Watch and other Android-based wearables. It’s no coincidence that Google launched a new Google Calendar app for Apple Watch just as it pulled Keep. This suggests that Google is maintaining only its most used productivity tools across platforms while retiring legacy apps that no longer match user expectations or Apple’s evolving tech stack.

If you’re a power user of Google services, the change may feel like a loss. But for many, the addition of Apple’s own Notes app, along with a wide range of strong alternatives, makes the transition manageable—and potentially an upgrade.

Adapting to the End of Google Keep on Apple Watch

While it’s disappointing that Google Keep for Apple Watch is no longer available, users aren’t left without options. Apple’s own Notes app is now more capable than ever, and third-party note-taking apps offer rich functionality and Apple Watch support. This change also highlights a growing trend in tech: platforms like Google and Apple are increasingly drawing lines around their ecosystems and focusing on core app experiences.

For users, the best path forward is to explore apps that are actively supported and optimized for watchOS 26 and newer. If you’re still using Google Keep on your phone or tablet, rest assured—it’s not going anywhere there. But for your wrist, it’s time to try something new.

Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or someone who just loves to keep their life organized, adapting now means you’ll have an even smoother note-taking experience moving forward.