Wear OS 5 – the latest operating system (OS) for Android-based wearables such as smartwatches – has started rolling out to 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 Watch Face Format in partnership with Samsung, a web-based app launcher and recording functionality for Pixel smartwatches. It also includes system improvements 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, which run Wear OS 4 and 3.5 respectively, will receive an over-the-air (OTA) software update in September 2024 that will include an upgrade to Wear OS 5. Its rollout is happening in phases and will continue over the next week, depending on carrier and device. Once it becomes available, users will receive a notification on their smartwatch advising them to upgrade to the latest available software.
Google says that the Wear OS 5 update for the Pixel Watch 2 comes with model number AW2A.240903.005.A1, while that for the Pixel Watch has AW2A.240903.005.A2. After the update, the smartwatches will get “new features”. While it didn’t delve into what features might be available, it did mention a launcher with a grid view, improved camera controls, and the Pixel Recorder feature coming to Google’s older smartwatches. Therefore, users will be able to check their applications in a new grid-based schedule – in addition to the list-based schedule that was previously the only available option.
Additionally, the September 2024 software update will also include performance updates and bug fixes, details of which are available on Google’s Pixel Watch Security Bulletin page.
The Wear OS 5 update for Android-based smartwatches also stops support for watch faces developed without using the Watch Face Format (WFF) in the Google Play Store. Only watch faces that meet Google’s quality and performance standards will be available on smartwatches with the new firmware. This change is in place of the WFF introduction that Google introduced in 2023 in partnership with Samsung.