A Google-branded smartwatch has been rumoured for many year but now Google has teased the forthcoming watch, and it is expected to launch very soon.
After years of plans, cancellations, rumours, gossip and everything else, there’s finally some solid confirmation of Google’s wearable. It dovetails with many of the recent rumours, so read on to find out everything official – and unofficial – about the Pixel Watch.
Pixel Watch release date
Google I/O 2022 reveal6 October launch expected
Google teased the Pixel Watch during Google I/O 2022 alongside the launch of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Buds Pro, but this was just a tease, with the promise of a launch in “fall 2022”.
It’s highly likely that the Pixel Watch will have a full launch on 6 October 2022 during the company’s Made by Google event where the Pixel 7 devices are also expected.
Pixel Watch design
Premium designCircular minimalist aestheticHeart rate sensor on rear
Pictures of the Pixel Watch have appeared online a few times but Google has also released a video of the device – showing a premium design with a circular face, slim and smooth bezels and a crown on the the right hand side.
From what’s been revealed, the Pixel Watch appears to be a quality device, clearly designed to compete with the Apple Watch from a hardware point of view. The casing is kept to a minimum, so it’s mostly just the screen and the body in a round design.
Aside from the crown, there is a button on the side of the device, as well as speaker and microphone openings. There is a heart rate sensor on the rear of the watch, to power the Fitbit functions.
The Pixel Watch appears to support a proprietary strap attachment, much like the Apple Watch. This might suggest that you won’t be able to use your own watch strap, but that Google will want to sell you lots of accessory straps instead. It’s rumoured there will be a number of options available.
There’s no indication of how the watch charges – it’s likely to be via a magnetic Qi charger, but this hasn’t been revealed. There are some pogo pins on the side of the watch under one of the strap attachment points, which could be a physical charging point.
It is said to be coming in black, gold and grey colour options.
Pixel Watch hardware and software
Wear OS 3Full Fitbit functions4G LTE an optionExynos hardware?
The Pixel Watch to run WearOS and we assume that’s the same software as found on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It’s also confirmed that it will offer full Fitbit features, so that will be fitness tracking as well as sleep tracking, which will be popular with users.
That will also include heart rate tracking with a sensor on the domed rear of the watch.
It has also been confirmed that you’ll get the goodness of those big Google services, like Maps and Assistant, while there’s the suggestion that Fast Pair will mean it will work seamlessly with your Pixel Buds too.
Google has confirmed that there will be a 4G LTE version too, meaning that you’ll be able to leave your phone at home and still stay connected.
Rumours have suggested that the Pixel Watch will come with 32GB of internal storage and more than 1.5GB of RAM. It’s also claimed that it will feature a 300mAh battery.
There has also been the discovery of code relating to Exynos hardware. This might be because of the close working relationship between Google and Samsung – the Galaxy Watch 4 is Exynos powered – but it might also be that Google will develop Tensor hardware that’s an evolution of Samsung’s Exynos hardware. Eitherway, it might be that there’s no Qualcomm in this watch – currently we just don’t know.
Google Pixel Watch rumours: What’s happened?
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Google Pixel Watch.
26 September 2022: Pic of Google Pixel Watch box hints at earlier on-sale date than previously thought
A hands-on photo of the Google Pixel Watch retail box appeared online.
23 September 2022: Official Google Pixel Watch video shows it from every angle
Ahead of its product launch event on 6 October, Google posted a video showing its first in-house smartwatch from just about every angle imaginable.
20 September 2022: Google Pixel Watch price leaked along with colour options
A report from 9to5Google – with information from retail sources – said the Pixel Watch will be $349.99 in the US for the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth model and $399.99 for the cellular/LTE version. Each model is also said to come in three colourways too.
17 June 2022: Google Pixel Watch to be available in a wide range of bands and straps at launch
According to the report, the Pixel Watch will launch with two types of leather bands, a link bracelet, a fabric strap and a silicone band. Reminiscent of the Apple Watch, Google is also set to offer a Milanese-style bracelet, as well as a stretchable band akin to Apple’s Solo Loop.
9 June 2022: The Google Pixel Watch will have its own dedicated app at launch
9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch will launch with its own app alongside the wearOS app. There’s said to be a feature called “Smart Unlock” that enables you to automatically unlock your Android phone, when your watch is unlocked, on your wrist and close to your phone.
1 June 2022: Google Pixel Watch battery will only last a day
9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch will have a battery capacity of just under 300mAh, which is said to allow it to last a day.
23 May 2022: Pixel Watch to come with huge RAM for a smartwatch
9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch would come with more than 1.5GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and run on Samsung’s Exynos 9110.
11 May 2022: Google Google teases its first-ever smartwatch
Google uses Google I/O to tease the Pixel Watch, confirming that it will be on sale later in 2022.
29 April 2022: Pixel Watch to feature 300mAh battery and cellular support
A rumour from 9to5Google suggests the Pixel Watch will come with a 300mAh battery which – for a smartwatch – is quite generous. It’ll also feature cellular support.
28 April 2022: Google Pixel Watch could come in three models
A listing appeared on Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and it refers to a device called BT Wearable Design-Controller Subsystem, which is thought to be the Pixel Watch. The listing mentions three models – GWT9R, GBZ4S, and GQF4C.
27 April 2022: Pixel Watch leaks again: Latest images show Google’s smartwatch on a wrist
Having shared details about the Pixel Watch left in a restaurant, the guy who has it has started sharing photos of it.
25 April 2022: Google’s Pixel Watch breaks cover in real world photos
The Pixel Watch has surfaced in real world photos after apparently being found in a restaurant.
23 April 2022: Google files trademark for ‘Pixel Watch’ ahead of I/O: Is a launch imminent?
The name “Pixel Watch” is official as a trademark gets filed.
20 April 2022: Pixel Watch breaks cover as Google preps online store for launch
91Mobiles published a face-on image of the Pixel Watch, showing a crown on the right, domed glass on the top and the Fitbit logo in the centre, suggesting the platform will be integrated properly.
9to5Google also reported that the online Google Store is being redesigned to make space for the new smartwatch, suggesting a launch is imminent.
25 March 2022: Google Pixel Watch to be teased at I/O but launched with Pixel 7 in October
Leaker Jon Prosser claims the Pixel Watch will be teased at Google I/O 2022, before launching properly in October.
2 March 2022: Google Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch could be imminent after carrier listing found
The Google Pixel Watch appeared on a US carrier’s inventory and it’s claimed to come in grey, black and gold colours, aloong with 32GB on on board storage.
22 December 2021: Google Pixel Watch tipped to feature Exynos chip and next-gen Google Assistant
9to5Google has uncovered various strings of code hinting that the Pixel Watch will feature the next-gen Google Assistant and may be powered by Exynos.
6 December 2021: New Google Pixel Watch renders give us our best look yet at the rumoured smartwatch
Jon Prosser has shared some alleged marketing images of the Pixel Watch, showing a circular design.
collection:Google Pixel Watch Jon Prosser Leak
3 December 2021: Google’s in-house smartwatch, aka Pixel Watch, could launch in 2022
According to a report from Insider, Google is working on a smartwatch. It is internally codenamed Rohan, and it’s being worked on by Google’s Pixel hardware group, which is separate from Fitbit.
It is expected to cost more than a Fitbit, competing directly with the Apple Watch. It’s also said to have basic fitness tracking features, such as step counting and a heart rate monitor and may have Fitbit integration into Wear OS, thanks to an effort codenamed Nightlight.
11 October 2021: Pixel Watch likely delayed
Leaker Max Weinbach claimed on Twitter that while he was told the Pixel Watch was coming about six months ago, but could be delayed because of chip shortage, he is assuming it has been delayed and is unsure if it will be revealed with the Pixel 6 on 19 October or next year.
Pixel Watch was likely delayed btw
Like 6 months ago I was told it was coming but could be delayed based on chip availability. I’m assuming it’s getting delayed because of chips. Could be announced next week with later release, could be announced next year. Who knows.
— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) October 11, 2021
25 May 2021: More Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 5a 5G details revealed in leak
Max Weinbach revealed some details about the Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in a podcast. He also claimed the Google Watch would be revealed in October 2021 alongside the Pixel devices though.
18 May 2021: Google redesigns Wear OS with Samsung and Fitbit
Google announced a redesigned Wear OS in collaboration with Samsung and Fitbit.
9 April 2021: Apparent Pixel Watch design revealed in new leak
Jon Prosser revealed the apparent design of the long-rumoured Pixel Watch in a video. It has a circular face, bezel-free design and a physical crown. It’s claimed to be codenamed Rohan and the renders were created based on images provided by a source.
19 May 2020: Pixel Watch could have a gesture feature
Google filed a patent with the US Patent Office in May 2020 that suggests the company is working on bringing hand gestures to a smartwatch.
19 September 2019: Why Google Pixel Watch was cancelled at the last minute
A new report on Business Insider has claimed Google cancelled plans to launch a Pixel Watch at the last minute because Google’s hardware chief, Rick Osterloh, was of the opinion at the time that it “didn’t look like what belonged in the Pixel family.”
The report also said that a former employee stated that the syncing between the Pixel smartphone and smartwatch also “didn’t work that great”, making for another reason to pull the launch. There were fears that with this and the smartwatch not quite looking right, it would “…bring down the name of the Google hardware brand.”
Instead of killing the watches completely, Google is said to have decided not to launch them under its own brand name as originally planned, and instead launched them under LG in the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style.
The report adds that while there are still rumours Google is working on its own-branded smartwatch, sources claim that there will be no smartwatch launching alongside the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL at its event on 15 October.
3 September 2019: Google Pixel Watch with built-in camera appears in patent
A patent filed by Google called ‘Camera Watch’ has been approved. The patent shows a watch with a round face and a camera built-in, though it is not clear from the patent whether the camera is a hole-punch design or under the display.
There are no buttons on the design sketches, suggesting the Pixel Watch could feature some form of rotating or touch bezel.
4 April 2019: Possible Pixel Watch tech pops up in patent
A recently approved patent reveals Google has been working on several quick release watch band mechanisms. Several options are shown in the patent images, one of which is a tradition quick release pin method, while the others appear a little more complex.
8 February 2019: New job listings suggest Pixel Watch still happening
Two job listings at Google for a “Vice President, Hardware Engineering, Wearables” and “Wearables Design Manager, Consumer Hardware”, suggest Google continues to have major hardware ambitions for wearables.
25 January 2019: Possible Pixel Watch codenames appear online
9to5Google reported on two codenames – Medaka and Salmon – which appeared online and are suggested to reference the Pixel Watch. The codenames appeared in AOSP alongside evidence suggesting they are smartwatches but no further details were offered.
17 January 2019: Google and Fossil enter into $40 million agreement
Google and Fossil Group enter into a $40 million agreement, in which Google will acquire some of Fossil’s smartwatch technology, along with members of the Fossil’s research and development team. While details are scarce, it suggests Google is still serious about Wear OS.
3 September 2018: No Pixel Watch in 2018
Tom’s Guide reported that the rumoured Pixel Watch would not launch in 2018.
Miles Barr, Google’s director of engineering for Wear OS, said in an interview with Tom’s Guide: “To think of a one-size-fits-all watch, I don’t think we’re there yet. Our focus is on our partners for now,” he explained.
The Pixel Watch will likely place a special focus on Google Assistant and AI learning when it finally arrives though as Barr told Tom’s Guide his ideal Pixel Watch would offer these.
A separate Google spokesperson also confirmed that the company would not be announcing its own smartwatch in 2018.
10 May 2018: Three models of the Pixel Watch claimed to be in the works
WinFuture reported that there are three models of Pixel Watch in the works, but these might just be prototypes with a plan to only release one.
10 May 2018: Google’s fall event expected to feature Pixel-branded watch
Notorious leakster Evan Blass tweeted that a reliable source told him “with high confidence” that a Pixel-branded watch would appear at the 2018 fall hardware event alongside the two smartphones and second-gen Pixel Buds. Of course, that wasn’t the case in the end.
Besides the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and second-gen Pixel Buds, a reliable source tells me — with high confidence — that Google’s fall hardware event will also introduce a Pixel-branded watch. Have a great summer!
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 10, 2018
15 March 2018: Google rebrands Android Wear to Wear OS
Google’s smartwatch platform, Android Wear, first arrived in 2014. In 2018, Google ditched the name and branding, relaunching the software as Wear OS.
10 February 2017: LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style launch
LG announced the LG Watch Sport and the LG Watch Style, backed by Google as the poster watches for Android Wear 2.0 with their rotating dials. They put an end to the Google-branded smartwatch…for a while.
23 December 2016: Google to launch two Android Wear watches in 2017
The Verge reported that Jeff Chang, product manager of Android Wear, said Google is planning to launch new watches that will be flagship Android Wear 2.0 devices.
Chang said the device wouldn’t be Pixel branded however, despite the Pixel and Pixel XL launching two months earlier, replacing the Nexus line. Instead, the watches would take the name of the manufacturer that makes them.
12 July 2016: Renders appear of Google’s Nexus smartwatches
Android Police published some renders of Google’s Android Wear smartwatches. The larger device, known as Angelfish, is said to be on the left, while Swordfish, the smaller device, is on the right.
6 July 2016: Google working on Nexus-branded smartwatches
Android Police reported that Google was working on Nexus-branded smartwatches. The two devices were claimed to be Google-made and they had codenames of Angelfish and Swordfish.
Rumours suggests Angelfish was a larger, sportier model which would come with LTE data, GPS and heart rate. Swordfish meanwhile was said to be smaller and miss LTE data and GPS off its features list.
Both watches were claimed to feature circular displays.