It looks like the Google Pixel Watch 2 is fast approaching, according to well-known sources: rumor has it that Google intends to follow the same timeline as last year and launch an updated smartwatch in October with its flagship phones.
This is based on the information obtained by 9to5Google (opens in a new tab), although we don’t really have any more details on what to expect. The original Pixel Watch was unveiled at Google IO 2022 before it was fully launched alongside the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
According to well-known tipster Jon Prosser, around the same time there will also be a cheaper watch aimed at children, possibly with the Fitbit logo. It looks like the Google Pixel 8 event will be busy.
I confirm because we were working on the story in the background. As far as I know, Google is planning two watches for later this fall. 1) Pixel Watch 2, which will launch alongside Pixel 8, and 2) a children’s version, although it will most likely be labeled “Fitbit” https://t.co/pcbgfk3Af1May 5, 2023
Room for improvement
The original Google Pixel Watch got a lot of praise, but there’s also a lot of work to be done. A more powerful processor should mean more performance and better battery life to start with, while it’s possible the new version will include more sensors.
As for the design, it’s unlikely to change too much considering we’re only in the second version of the product – and Google will want to keep support for the straps from the first generation Pixel Watch to help anyone thinking of upgrading.
Apparently, it’s still not confirmed that the Pixel Watch 2 will be the actual name of the wearable, though it’s hard to see what other name Google might use. Expect to see a few more leaks between now and October.
Analysis: Google makes hardware progress
With the Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel Fold rumored to be just around the corner, it’s another busy year for Google on the hardware front – and one in which it ventures into new devices and forms.
It is clear that Google is gaining more and more confidence in its hardware division. For a long time, it was all about search and apps, but now it has a significant portfolio of physical products that can also be selected and used.
That extends to the Pixel Watch 2: Releasing the second version of the wearable just a year after the first came out puts Google on an Apple Watch-style schedule, and it will be interesting to see if that continues into the future.
With Google IO 2023 taking place next week, it’s possible we’ll get a mention of the Pixel Watch 2 – which is what Google did last year with the first Pixel Watch. Perhaps we will also find out details about what it will actually bring with it.