Google begins rolling out Wear OS 5 to Pixel Watch 2 and older models
Wear OS 5 — the latest operating system (OS) for Android-based wearables like smartwatches — has started rolling out to Google Pixel Watch 2 and older models. First unveiled at the Google I/O 2024 developer conference in May, the update brings Watch Face format improvements in partnership with Samsung, a grid-based app launcher, and recording functionality to Pixel smartwatches. It also rolls out system improvements and fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
WearOS 5 update for Pixel Smartwatches
In a blog afterGoogle announced that its Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch, which run Wear OS 4 and 3.5 respectively, will receive the September 2024 over-the-air (OTA) software update, which will include an upgrade to Wear OS 5. The rollout will be phased and will continue over the next week, depending on the carrier and device. Once available, users will receive a notification on their smartwatch, recommending they upgrade to the latest available software.
Google says the Wear OS 5 update for the Pixel Watch 2 will come with the model number AW2A.240903.005.A1, while the one for the Pixel Watch has the model number AW2A.240903.005.A2. The smartwatches will get “new features” following the update. While it didn’t elaborate on exactly what features might be available, it did mention a grid view launcher, improved camera controls, and Pixel Recorder functionality coming to Google’s older smartwatches. This will let users view 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, details of which are available in Google’s Pixel Watch security bulletin. page.
The Wear OS 5 update for Android-based smartwatches also drops support for watch faces built 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 accessible on smartwatches running the new firmware. This change replaces the introduction of WFF, which Google unveiled in partnership with Samsung in 2023.
