Google’s made Android and Wear OS synergistic over the years, but the duo still misses out on some integrated elements that force users to manage specific settings on each device individually.
For reference, setting your Android phone to DND automatically triggers the same mode on the Pixel Watch, though the same can not be said for Airplane Mode. Google understands that this is an unnecessary friction point — a friction point that it’s now looking to eliminate.
Highlighted by credible Android analyst Mishaal Rahman in an Android Authority report, the 2511 Android Canary release, the same release that essentially confirmed Cinnamon Bun to be Android 17’s internal codename, contains code strings hinting at the mode-syncing functionality.
Airplane_mode_sync_description is the Settings app code string in question, which reads, “When connected by Bluetooth, Airplane mode will sync across the supported devices such as phone and watch.” That description leaves very little to the imagination. If, however, there’s any doubt about the code string, the underlying flag that controls the functionality is even more specific: sync_airplane_mode_with_watches.
It’s worth noting that the feature could not be manually enabled, so it isn’t entirely clear how it will function. What’s clear, however, is that the sync will work both ways. Turning on Airplane Mode on your phone will trigger it on a paired watch, and similarly, enabling the mode on your watch will trigger it on your phone. Rahman pointed out that Android can keep Bluetooth active while on Airplane Mode (since Android 11), making the paired action possible.
It’s not entirely clear when the functionality will roll out, though it would be a welcome addition whenever it does arrive because it would finally bring Android and Wear OS to parity with Apple’s iOS and WatchOS.
