The latest operating system (OS) for Android-based wearables like smartwatches – Wear OS 5 – has started rolling out for the Google Pixel Watch 2 and older models. First unveiled at the Google I/O 2024 developer conference in May, the update brings improvements to the watch face format, a grid-based app launcher, and recording functionality to Pixel smartwatches in partnership with Samsung. It also bundles system fixes and fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
WearOS 5 update for Pixel smartwatches
In a blog post, Google announced that its Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch, running Wear OS 4 and 3.5 respectively, will receive a September 2024 software over-the-air (OTA) update that includes an upgrade to Wear OS 5. Will be included. Its rollout is happening in a phased manner and will continue over the next week depending on the carrier and device. Once it becomes available, users will receive a notification on their smartwatch recommending they upgrade to the latest available software.
Google says that the Wear OS 5 update for Pixel Watch 2 comes with model number AW2A.240903.005.A1, while that for Pixel Watch is AW2A.240903.005.A2. After the update, the smartwatch will get “new features”. While it didn’t say exactly what features might be available, it did mention a grid-view launcher, improved camera controls, and the pixel recorder functionality that came to Google’s older smartwatches. Thus, users will be able to check out their apps in a new grid-based layout – in addition to the list-based layout that was previously the only option available.
Additionally, the September 2024 software update will also include performance updates and bug fixes, and details of the latter are available on Google’s Pixel Watch security bulletin page.
The Wear OS 5 update for Android-based smartwatches also discontinues support for watch faces developed without using the Watch Face Format (WFF) on the Google Play Store. Only watch faces that meet Google’s quality and performance standards will be accessible on smartwatches running the new firmware. This change is in lieu of the introduction of WFF that Google had unveiled in 2023 in partnership with Samsung.
