Google has officially removed its note-taking app, Keep, from the Apple Watch, marking another instance in its history of discontinuing products. This decision was finalized with an update on June 30, 2025, leaving users without a dedicated Google option for note-taking on their wrists. Keep was launched for watchOS in 2019 but struggled to gain traction. The app’s limitations—such as the absence of watch face complications and other essential features—led to its decline in usage.
In contrast, Apple is introducing its own Notes app for the Apple Watch alongside the release of watchOS 26, providing users with a built-in alternative that integrates seamlessly with iOS. One of the reasons for Google’s withdrawal of Keep from the Apple Watch is its selective approach to app support. Google continues to maintain apps like Maps and YouTube Music, which generate revenue through advertisements and subscriptions. However, since Keep is a free utility without a clear monetization strategy, Google opted not to support it on what it considers a competitor’s platform.
Consequently, users of Keep on the Apple Watch will now need to utilize alternatives such as Apple’s Notes app, Microsoft OneNote, Bear, or Drafts for their note-taking needs. Google’s trend of discontinuing products is well-documented, with the independent tracker Killed by Google listing over 200 services that have been shut down. Recent closures include Google Podcasts, which was phased out in 2024, and Jamboard, which ended in the same year with its features integrated into Google Meet. Such decisions often leave users feeling frustrated, as reliance on Google services comes with the risk of sudden discontinuation.
For Apple Watch users who relied on Keep, the removal means they’ll need to adapt quickly. While Apple’s Notes app is on the horizon, those wanting to stay within Google’s ecosystem will have to continue using Keep solely on their phones, reminding the user community that even popular services can disappear unexpectedly.
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