Google will launch the next version of its smartwatch operating system in February after issues saw the company delay the release late last year.

The news was revealed to Google Play Developers in an email in which Google requested updates be made to existing apps to enable a new standalone functionality, one of the major new features of Android Wear 2.0.

Apps can now be installed without a connected smartphone. If developers fail to complete the required changes, users will be unable to find their app on the Android Wear 2.0 app store.

The operating system was delayed in September last year following multiple issues with developer preview builds.

Google is expected to release two new smartwatches in collaboration with another manufacturer, with a release date expected soon after Android Wear 2.0 launches. The smartwatches will not feature Google or Pixel branding, and will instead feature the branding of the unconfirmed manufacturer.