by We’ve been hoping for a Google own-brand smartwatch since before Wear OS was called ‘Wear OS’ and after years of enjoying the platform on wearables made by third parties, we finally got our wish with the 2022 Google Pixel Watch. The good news is that now that it’s here, we shouldn’t have to wait that long for a Pixel Watch 2.
Admittedly, since the first Pixel Watch is still a recent arrival, the Google Pixel Watch 2 probably won’t land before the end of 2023; Especially since we haven’t heard any rumors about it yet, but it’s still a much faster turnaround than the eight-year gap between the debut of Android Wear and the arrival of the current Pixel Watch.
However, Google is almost certainly already working on a successor, so expect leaks and rumors to start surfacing soon enough. When that time comes, we’ll start adding them to this article, so check back regularly for the latest developments on the Pixel Watch 2.
In the meantime, you’ll find our best guesses on the Pixel Watch 2 release date and price, followed by a wish list of what we want from it.
Come to the point
- What is? Google’s next Pixel smartwatch
- When does it come out? Possibly October 2023
- How much will it cost? Not clear, but probably at least $350 / £340 / AU$550
Google Pixel Watch 2 price and release date
We don’t know when the Pixel Watch 2 will be announced, but since the smartwatch industry generally tends to move in yearly cycles, there’s a good chance it will be released around a year after the original Pixel Watch.
That would mean a release around October 2023, though given there’s only been one model so far, we can’t be entirely sure Google will stick with yearly updates.
Still, assuming it lands in 2023, the most obvious timing would be alongside the Google Pixel 8, which is likely to land in October 2023.
As for the price, it might be around the same cost as the current Pixel Watch, which starts at $350 / £340 / AU$550, but that’s just speculation for now.
Google Pixel Watch 2 news and leaks
There’s no Pixel Watch 2 news at the time of writing, but we’ll fill this section out as soon as we hear anything.
However, there are some things we can predict. For one, it will certainly run Wear OS; Not only does the current Pixel Watch have the same platform, but Google creates the platform, so running anything else would be ridiculous.
Presumably, it will also retain most of the features of the current model, which, beyond all the standard smartwatch features, includes an ECG.
what we want to see
As good as the Pixel Watch is, there are plenty of things that Google can do to make the Pixel Watch 2 even better, including the following:
1. Multiple sizes
The Google Pixel Watch is a one-size-fits-all device, which of course inevitably means it’s not the right size for everyone.
To be fair, it arguably strikes the best possible balance for a wearable that will only come in one size, but we still prefer to be given a choice; like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch 8, for example, both come in two sizes.
2. Easier band change
One of the main problems we found with the Google Pixel Watch was how complicated it is to change the bands. Google has gone with a proprietary system, which makes the selection of compatible straps quite limited.
Proprietary systems sometimes make the process of swapping bands easier than it would otherwise be, however the opposite is true with the DSLR camera lens-inspired mechanism that works in the Pixel Watch.
Once we got to grips with it, the system was less of a pain, but there’s certainly a learning curve, so we’re definitely hoping Google refines this for the Pixel Watch 2.
3. Smaller bezel
Despite being priced moderately higher, the Google Pixel Watch has a huge bezel around its circular display, which goes against its premium appearance and makes it look cheaper than it is.
Thanks to some clever UI choices from Google, the bezel isn’t particularly noticeable most of the time, but it’s still an impressive size for a modern smartwatch. As such, we want it to be scaled down by the time people put the Google Pixel Watch 2 on their wrist.
4. Make it more comfortable to sleep late
Our review found that the Pixel Watch’s dome-shaped back made it a bit uncomfortable to sleep in, and even woke our reviewer from sleep on multiple occasions.
Obviously this 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 no one loses sleep over it.
5. Better integration with Fitbit
Google Pixel Watch is a full Fitbit device, with access to a dedicated Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium features (comes with six months of access as part of the price).
All of this feels needlessly disjointed, though, as you need a separate Fitbit account to access many of the health and fitness features on the Pixel Watch, while a Google account takes care of everything else.
Since Google now owns Fitbit, it doesn’t seem like too much to ask that your Google account double as your Fitbit login. As such, we’re hoping everything gets streamlined in time for the Pixel Watch 2; as that would put it on the path to becoming a killer wearable and perhaps one of the best smartwatches out there.
If you can’t wait that long, why not check out our roundup of the best smartwatch deals available right now and the best Black Friday smartwatch deals, if you can wait until November 25?
