Google Pixel Watch 3 rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

It’ll be a little while before Google officially confirms its plans for a successor, but there will definitely be another Pixel Watch. The company has invested heavily in wearables with its acquisition of Fitbit, and it’s clear it has big ambitions for its in-house watch. Lending even further support to this notion, there are already a few rumors about the Pixel Watch 3. While we still don’t know a ton about it, rumors suggest it will look very similar to its predecessor, though it will allegedly come in two sizes this time around. This would be a welcome change for those who prefer more options.

What is the most likely Google Pixel Watch 3 release date?

• Google Pixel Watch — October 13, 2022
• Google Pixel Watch 2 — October 12, 2023

Although there have only been two releases so far, the Pixel Watch has thus far always launched alongside the Pixel series in October. Unless Google makes a major shift here, we can expect the Pixel Watch 3 to arrive in the Fall of 2024 alongside the rumored Pixel 9.

Initial reports claimed that the Pixel Watch 3 may measure 40.79 x 40.73 x 14mm, versus the Pixel Watch 2’s body size of 41 x 41 x 12.3mm. However, we eventually learned that Google is making a second, bigger model. There will still be the same 41mm variant as always, but the bigger model is said to have a 1.45-inch screen and a 45mm dial. Though Google has yet to confirm it, rumors claim the bigger model will go by the name Pixel Watch 3 XL.

One thing that sticks out with the Pixel Watch’s design is the massive bezels. But thankfully, Google will be reducing the size of these bezels in the third iteration. According to our own sources, both models of the Pixel Watch 3 will feature 4.5mm bezels. In comparison, the Pixel Watch 2 had 5.5mm bezels. In the graphic below, you can see how much of an upgrade this will be.

Staying on the subject of the screen, we’re hearing that both models will sport a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This bumps the total nits up by 1,000 compared to the last generation. We’ve compiled all the display specs we have so far below:

As for colors, you’ll have a couple of options to choose from. You can see these options included in the table below.

What rumored specs and features could the Google Pixel Watch 3 have?

There have been a few rumors and leaks about the Pixel Watch 3, including our own original reporting. Let us dive into everything we know about actual hardware and software changes.

More than one report suggests the Pixel Watch 3 will include an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for short-range communication and location tracking. If you remember, UWB was also rumored to be in the Pixel Watch 2, but it was removed at the last minute. However, a source inside Google confirmed to Android Authority that it will indeed be in the Pixel Watch 3. Moreover, UWB support was recently spotted in FCC listings as well.

We still don’t have any information on how Google plans to use the technology, but we can speculate. One of the more obvious use cases would be precise device finding. As we recently reported, Google might be working on adding UWB support to the Find My Device app. Another possibility could be unlocking your car using Digital Car Key, which is already supported by BMW, Hyundai, and Kia, and many other manufacturers. Additionally, it may even be used to unlock the device, as indicated by teardown of the Play Services app.

The Pixel Watch 3 may also feature a slightly increased battery capacity. Before you get too excited, Android Headlines claims the new standard model will include a 307mAh battery, which is only 1mAh higher than its predecessor. However, our own report mentions a 310mAh battery, which still isn’t that much of a difference. The bigger model, on the other hand, is believed to have a 420mAh cell.

These increases alone won’t amount to drastically improved battery life; however, a more efficient SoC might do the trick. It’s believed that the Watch 3 will use a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 with a customer processor. This makes sense since Qualcomm has yet to make a W6 chip. Maybe someday we’ll see an in-house Google chip hit the Pixel Watch too? Again, that’s all just speculation and definitely unlikely for the Pixel Watch 3, at least.

Software changes

Outside of the known hardware and design changes, we also know a little bit about what to expect from the software. We expect the next watch to run Wear OS 5.

The latest OS is expected to offer new fitness stats for runners, improved watch customization, and some major improvements around performance and battery life. It’s the last one that is the most exciting.

Can a software update really make a substantial impact on battery life? According to Google, yes. Earlier it confirmed the current Google Pixel Watch family would have 20% more battery life over the course of a marathon than it would prior to running Wear OS 5.

• Google Pixel Watch — $349
• Google Pixel Watch 2 — $349

The Pixel Watch series has cost $349 since the beginning, though the LTE variant is always slightly higher at $399. Despite recent price increases in the tech industry due to the current economic environment, we anticipate that the Pixel Watch 3 will maintain its usual pricing. After all, most watches of this caliber continue to hover around this price range.

If there were to be an increase, we would expect it to be between $25 and $50 at most. However, there have been no rumors suggesting an imminent price hike.

If you’re interested in a Google-made watch, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is still close to a half year away. That’s a long time to wait, so I’d suggest picking up the current model. After all, the Pixel Watch 2 is already a great watch and has plenty of life ahead of it.

Not impressed by the Pixel Watch series? The most obvious alternative on the Android side of the fence is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series ($349.99 at Amazon). For those who don’t mind switching to an iPhone in the process, the Apple Watch Series 9 ($392.67 at Amazon) is also a worthwhile alternative.

Google Pixel Watch 3: What we want to see

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best smartwatches on the market and has a long list of great features. Of course, nothing is perfect. Here’s our wishlist for what I’d like to see from the Google Pixel Watch 3.

The Pixel Watch faced significant durability issues, particularly with its display, mostly due to the relatively thin glass used. The Pixel Watch 2 saw slight improvements in glass quality, yet there have been numerous reports from consumers and reviewers indicating that the watch remains fairly easy to damage. Compounding the issue is the watch’s nearly impossible self-repair process, forcing owners to rely solely on Google Pixel Watch Customer Support for repairs. This not only adds inconvenience but also results in being without the watch for an extended period.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 presents an opportunity to address these durability concerns definitively. Opting for thicker, more durable glass appears to be the most straightforward solution. Although this may slightly increase the device’s bulk, weight, and cost, it represents a worthwhile trade-off for enhanced durability.

Garmin, Apple, and Samsung all typically offer multiple sizes for their watches, but the same can’t be said for Google. The Pixel Watch 2 comes in just one size: 41mm. While that might be perfect for many, some of us have big wrists or just want a larger display or better battery life, even if it means it’s slightly heftier to wear.

The solution is simple, Google should add a 45mm option to the Pixel Watch 3. This would appeal to those who want a bigger display or a larger size that better complements their wrist size.

The good news is it’s very likely Google will do just that as we mentioned in the rumor section above.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 adopts a fairly reserved approach to case colors, opting for metallic shades of gold, black, and silver. Personally, I align with Henry Ford’s sentiment, believing black to be the only color anyone ever needs (half kidding), though I suspect my opinion might be a minority. Several smartwatches on the market offer a more diverse palette of unique shades. Apple, in particular, excels in this area with its Apple Watch Series 9, which is available in shades like Product Red and Pink.

If Google aims for the Pixel Watch 3 to stand out, incorporating a splash of color seems like a straightforward strategy. Perhaps Google could draw inspiration from its Pixel phone series and introduce colors such as Rose or Bay Blue, or bring back old Pixel favorites like Oh So Orange. I had the latter color on my Pixel back in the day, despite the fact I almost always get black phones. It just stood out in a way that was hard to ignore.

Here’s hoping the Pixel Watch 3 can do the same with its case colorway in 2024. Unfortunately no rumors indicate this is happening, but it’s still early enough that we can’t say for sure.

I really appreciate the Safety Signal feature on the Pixel Watch 2. In essence, it allows you to use SOS cellular features in an emergency without needing an active LTE cellular plan. Although this feature necessitates an additional $50 for the LTE model, it’s a minor sacrifice for the peace of mind it provides.

It’s always possible to find yourself on a hike or run with a dead phone. Having a backup solution for emergencies is reassuring. However, the requirement to pay for the Fitbit Premium subscription is less appealing. Although Premium costs only $10 a month, there are cellular plans for watches that start at a similar price point. Moreover, unlike a full cellphone plan, this service is only functional in emergencies.

I believe Google should cover the costs for emergency services and offer this feature for free to Pixel Watch 3 LTE users. This would position Google uniquely in the market, providing a standout feature that no other brand offers for free. While Apple and a few other brands have SOS features, they all require an active (and paid) cellular connection.