The original Google Pixel Watch finally gave us the own-brand Google smartwatch we’ve been waiting for, but there was certainly room for improvement – which is why we’re excited about growing rumors for the Google Pixel Watch 2.
That first Pixel Watch arrived in October last year, so a new model is almost due, and indeed Google has confirmed that the Pixel Watch 2 will be unveiled on October 4.
In fact, the company has extensively teased the wearable, and we’ve seen some leaks beyond that, all of which you’ll find below, followed by a wish list of what we want to see from the device.
Cut to the chase
What is it? Google’s next Pixel smartwatchWhen is it out? October 4How much will it cost? Unclear, but probably at least $350 / £340 / AU$550
Google Pixel Watch 2: release date and price
The price could be similar to that of the original Pixel Watch (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Google has announced that the Pixel Watch 2 will be unveiled on October 4, and pre-orders are also set to open on that date. It will land alongside the Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.
As for the price, it will inevitably have a similar cost to the current Pixel Watch, which starts at $350 / £340 / AU$550. That’s just speculation for now, mind.
Google Pixel Watch 2: news and leaks
The biggest news on the Google Pixel Watch 2 comes from Google itself, which posted a Pixel Watch 2 teaser video.
That video shows a similar design to the original model, but with the digital crown sitting more flush with the screen, and a different arrangement of sensors. The watch is also shown as having an IP68 rating, meaning it will have significant resistance to both dust and water.
Beyond that, we’ve also recently seen possible Pixel Watch 2 colors leaked, with the wearable reportedly coming in a choice of a Gold case with a Hazel band, a Black case with an Obsidian band, a Silver case with a Bay band, or a Silver case with a White band.
The same source claims that Sport bands will be sold separately, in a choice of Coral, Hazel, Moondust, Obsidian, and Porcelain shades, and that the wearables might charge faster than its predecessor.
One leak suggests we’re going to get a new strap with the Pixel Watch 2, though it looks as though ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is going to get left out this time around – maybe for the Pixel Watch 3?
Four new watch faces, which are apparently going to be exclusive to the second-gen Pixel Watch, have also leaked out. They give us a better idea of the software interface and how you’re going to be able to customize it.
The Pixel Watch 2 will bring four new faces with it (Image credit: Android Authority / Google)
Before all this though, the first rumors about a Pixel Watch 2 though actually started to emerge in the run-up to Google I/O 2023 in May.
Renowned leaker Evan Blass tweeted the name ‘Pixel Watch 2’, hinting that the smartwatch was pretty much confirmed for a reveal at Google’s big developer conference.
This followed earlier leaks from well-known leaker Jon Prosser, who in early May predicted that “Google is planning two watches for later this fall”, including the new Pixel Watch and also a version for kids that may have Fitbit branding.
Google recently released some updated developer guidelines for Wear OS, including a mandatory dark background for all apps and tiles. (Image credit: Google)
Google Pixel Watch 2: what we want to see
As good as the Pixel Watch is, there are lots of things Google can do to make the Pixel Watch 2 even better, including the following:
1. Multiple sizes
The Pixel Watch’s size won’t be ideal for everyone (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The Google Pixel Watch is a one-size-fits-all device, which, of course, inevitably means that it’s not the ideal size for everyone.
In fairness, it arguably strikes the best balance possible for a wearable that’s only going to come in one size, but we’d still much rather be given the choice; like you get with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch 8, for example – both of which come in two sizes.
2. Simpler band switching
One of the main issues we’ve found with the Google Pixel Watch is how tricky it is to switch the bands. Google has opted for a proprietary system, making for a rather limited selection of compatible straps out the gate.
Proprietary systems sometimes make the process of swapping bands easier than it otherwise would be, but the opposite is true with the DSLR camera lens-inspired mechanism at work on the Pixel Watch.
Once we got to grips with it, the system proved less painful, but there’s certainly a learning curve, so this is definitely something we hope Google refines for the Pixel Watch 2.
3. A smaller bezel
The Google Pixel Watch has a thick bezel (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Despite having a moderately premium price, the Google Pixel Watch has a massive bezel around its circular screen that works against its otherwise high-quality look and feel, and makes it seem cheaper than it is.
Thanks to some smart user interface choices by Google, the bezel isn’t particularly noticeable most of the time, but it’s still a shocking size for a modern smartwatch. As such, we want to see this shrunk by the time people slap the Google Pixel Watch 2 on their wrists.
4. Make it comfier to sleep in
Our review found that the dome-shaped back of the Pixel Watch made it slightly uncomfortable to sleep in, and it even woke our reviewer from their slumber on multiple occasions.
This obviously isn’t ideal, and while some sleepers may not have this issue, we’d like the Pixel Watch 2 to have a flat back, so that no one loses sleep over it.
5. Better Fitbit integration
The Google Pixel Watch is a full-blown Fitbit device, with access to a dedicated Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium features (it comes with six months access as part of the price).
However, this all feels unnecessarily disjointed, as you need a separate Fitbit account to access many of the health and fitness features on the Pixel Watch, while a Google account handles everything else.
Since Google now owns Fitbit, it doesn’t seem like too much to ask for your Google account to work as your Fitbit login, too. As such, we hope this is all streamlined in time for the Pixel Watch 2; as that would set it on a path to becoming one killer wearable and perhaps one of the best smartwatches out there.
If you can’t wait that long, why not check out our rundown of the best smartwatch deals available right now?
