Google recently released its latest PixelWatch 3 alongside the Pixel 9 series and A lucky buyer in Europe has already received his watch and even shared some unboxing photos. However, Google has not yet stated how long the PixelWatch 3 would receive software updates, but that has finally changed.
Google promises three years of Wear OS updates for PixelWatch 3
Google has officially announced that the new PixelWatch 3 will receive Wear OS updates until October 2027. The news came via a support document in which Google laid out the schedule and details for these updates.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is expected to receive updates for at least three years from its release date on the Google Store in the US. These updates include security patches and bring feature drops, operating system updates, bug fixes, and other software improvements.
In general, Pixel smartwatches are limited to major Wear OS updates for three years, and even with the launch of the third generation PixelWatch 3Google has not changed its update policy. This means that the new smartwatch falls behind competitors such as the Galaxy Watch 7, which, according to Samsung, will receive updates for up to four years.
However, the document points out that the PixelWatch 3 will receive updates for “at least” three years, so Google has the option to potentially extend support beyond that period. So I think Google may surprise its users with a longer update window in the future.
Pixel Watch 3 is available in a new 45 mm size in addition to the classic 41 mm size. | Image credit – PhoneArena
The Google PixelWatch 3 comes with Wear OS 5.0, based on Android 14, out of the box. This new version should bring a noticeable increase in both performance and durability, even if the battery inside is not much bigger than before. The PixelWatch 3 is compatible with any Android phone running Android 10 or higher.
Google's update strategy varies considerably depending on the device. Take the new Pixels 9 Series, for example – these phones receive operating system and security updates for seven years, so they will always be up to date with the latest Android operating system until 2031.