Google has committed to providing software updates for the Pixel Watch 3 until at least October 2027. This means users can expect three years of updates after the watch’s release. The language used for this commitment is consistent with the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. Although the Pixel Watch 3 is launching earlier than its predecessors, Google still references October as the starting month for the update period.
Similarly, for the Pixel 9 series, Google has set the update expiration date to August 2031, even though the devices won’t be available until September 4. There is also some inconsistency in how the devices will receive updates. The “Pixel 9 & Pixel 9 Pro” grouped together, while the “Pixel 9 Pro XL” is mentioned separately. This might suggest different update schedules or expectations for these devices, but the exact reasons are unclear.
Wear OS 5 and its Impact on Pixel Watch Devices
Unlike the approach for its Pixel phones, Google does not differentiate between “Guaranteed Android version updates” and “Guaranteed security updates” for Wear OS devices. Instead, they provide “Guaranteed software updates,” encompassing security updates, feature drops, and other software improvements.
Given the same chipset, it is expected that the Pixel Watch 2 will receive the Wear OS 5 update, which is based on Android 14. However, there is some uncertainty about whether the original Pixel Watch will receive Wear OS 5 or a different version. Historically, Google has been good about providing new app features to older devices, so there’s hope that this trend will continue.
New Features in Wear OS 5
Wear OS 5 introduces several new features designed to enhance the user experience on smartwatches. One of the major changes is a more dense grid-based app launcher, although the option to use a list format remains. The update also includes a screenshot detection API and an updated Watch Face Format (version 2), which offers several new features:
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Flavors: Preset configurations for watch faces that users can explore and select in a companion app.
Goal Progress Complication Type: Helps users track progress towards goals, such as steps, and can reflect when users exceed their goals.
Weighted Elements Complication Type: Useful for displaying specific subsets of data, such as different types of fitness stats.
Weather Conditions: Provides current weather information, along with forecasts for upcoming hours or days.
Heart Rate System Data Source: Adds a new source for heart rate data, improving health monitoring.
WearOS Media Output
Wear OS 5 also introduces a media output switcher, a system user interface that allows users to select which device should play media and provides details about the currently playing content. If an app detects that there isn’t a Bluetooth headset connected when audio playback is initiated, it will prompt the user to use the media output switcher.
On the health front, Wear OS 5 offers more detailed running metrics, such as:
Ground Contact Time: Measures the duration a runner’s foot is in contact with the ground during a single step.
Stride Length: Calculates the distance covered by a single step.
Vertical Oscillation: Assesses the distance a user’s center of mass moves up and down with each step.
Vertical Ratio: Determines the ratio of vertical oscillation to stride length.
Additionally, Wear OS 5 supports debounced goals, which help users maintain a specific range or threshold, like a target heart rate, during workouts. This feature aims to provide a more refined user experience for those focusing on consistent performance metrics.
What to Expect Going Forward
The Pixel Watch 3 will receive updates for three years, much like its predecessors. Wear OS 5, which will power future Pixel Watches, brings a range of new features that improve both usability and health monitoring capabilities. While the exact future of Wear OS updates for older models remains uncertain, Google’s track record suggests that they will continue to support these devices as much as possible.
Users of the Pixel Watch 2 can expect a solid software experience with Wear OS 5. While we wait to see whether the original Pixel Watch will receive the same updates, Google’s commitment to backward compatibility gives hope that it will receive similar improvements. Overall, the future looks bright for Wear OS users, with enhanced functionality and new features making their way to these devices.
