Launch and latency
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Design your app's launching experience with care, because this is the first
thing users encounter.
When launching your app, keep the following principles in mind.
Invest in the performance of your app, as it can be uncomfortable to keep the
wrist up while waiting for content to load.
Indicate activity
Reassuring users that the system is actively working on their requests can
increase their tolerance for delays.
Build gradually
Gradually build content as it becomes available. This can be done in the
following ways.
Display static elements
Start with static elements such as text elements, actionable buttons, and
placeholder UI first, while the rest of the content loads.
check_circle
Do
Show static elements while other content is loading.
cancel
Don't
Show dynamic elements, because the layout, shape, or format of the content can be unpredictable.
Use spinners with caution
Indeterminate loading spinners can cause latency issues. Instead show users
static text or a placeholder image to indicate activity is happening.
check_circle
Do
Show static text to indicate the action that is happening.
Prioritize visual feedback
When users perform an action, give them visual feedback instantly. This builds
confidence that the action has happened. For simple actions like tapping a
button, this can be on-touch ripple feedback. For more complex actions like
changing the volume of music on the phone, this can be showing the volume
indicator before the volume has been changed.
check_circle
Do
Show visual feedback first when the system needs to perform an action.
Branded launch
Display the app icon centrally during app starts, so users see the app
icon first. This improves brand recognition and is one way to show progress.
Use a black window background with the app icon. The app icon must be a 48x48dp
circular icon that is positioned in the center of the watch face. The splash
screen icon must match the app launcher icon. Learn more about how to
add a splash screen.
check_circle
Do
Use a black window background with a circular 48x48dp icon.
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Last updated 2025-05-20 UTC.
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