The Pixel Watch is set to receive a long-anticipated software update
November 13, 2024 7:01AM
Google has typically released a software update for the Pixel Watch approximately once a month. Most of these updates have been focused on security enhancements, while others introduced new features and operating system improvements. Fans were expecting an update in October, but it was postponed until this month. This update will resume the rollout of Wear OS 5 for Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 users after a series of issues led Google to suspend it in September. After several months of work, the company has resolved the underlying problems and is confident that the recent update will be stable.
In addition to Wear OS 5, the update will also feature improved camera controls and changes to the Pixel Recorder app, which will be available through the Play Store. Your individual watch will notify you when the update is ready for download, so you won't need to check constantly. The first update for the Pixel Watch 3 since its launch also includes bug fixes and security updates. All Pixel Watch models will eventually update to version AW2A.241105.012, although the timing will depend on both the carrier and the device.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait some time for the next software updates for the Pixel Watch, which Google states will not arrive until March 2025. Until now, Pixel Watch users have not experienced a three-month gap between updates. The longest interval between updates typically coincided with operating system upgrades, such as from Wear OS 3 to Wear OS 4. That said, slower updates are not necessarily a disadvantage. By reducing the time spent on deploying bug fixes, Google may be able to focus on launching more significant regular updates—potentially quarterly instead of monthly.
Although the wait is frustrating, it carries a positive aspect. The timing for the next update aligns with a "Feature Drop" in March. You can expect several significant upgrades and improvements, along with some updates we already know are coming, such as the beta for Android 15 QPR2. Anticipate changes not just in how the Pixel Watch operates but also in how it interacts with Android. It's also safe to say that there are likely more surprises that we haven't encountered yet.