Pixel Watch 2 and 3: Google distributes major update to Wear OS 6
Google has started to distribute the WearOS 6 update for the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This will bring Material 3 Expressive to your wrist, among other things.
Not only the new Pixel Watch 4 gets WearOS 6 with Material 3 Expressive.
(Image: Google)
The update to Wear OS 6 announced in May is here. Google began updating its Pixel Watches 2 and 3 to the new OS version based on Android 16 on Wednesday evening. Both the WiFi and LTE variants are receiving the update with the build number BP3A.250905.014.W3. The first Pixel Watch from 2022 is not yet included.
The new Wear OS version will be released for existing devices in 2023 and 2024, one day before the Pixel Watch 4 goes on sale. With the update, they will receive the redesign of Material 3 Expressive, which Google released at the beginning of September with Android 16 QPR1 for Pixel smartphones from the 6th generation onwards. In addition to the more playful appearance and dynamic colors based on the selected watch face, the new software also includes an updated keyboard on the lock screen. This design applies to notifications, tiles, and some apps.
(Image:Â Google)
In addition, the quick settings and notifications have been given a new look to make better use of the space on the small screen. The update also brings some redesigned apps such as “Alarm,” “Stopwatch,” and “Timer.” Some other apps, such as Fitbit, have already received a design update based on Material 3 Expressive ahead of the Wear OS 6 update.
According to Google, Wear OS 6 not only delivers visual innovations but has also been improved in terms of power consumption. Google promises up to 10 percent longer battery life.
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Where is Wear OS 6 for the first Pixel Watch?
In Google's support document for the Wear OS 6 release, the company writes: “All eligible Pixel Watch devices will receive Wear OS 6 starting today via the October 2025 software update.” It goes on to say that the new Wear OS version will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks, depending on the network operator and device. “Users will receive a notification on their watch as soon as the software update is available for their device.”
However, Google only mentions the Watch models 2 and 3 in the document, but not the first Pixel Watch from 2022. The manufacturer does not give a reason for the unavailability of the update. As the smartwatch has official software support until at least October 2025, the watch should also receive the new Wear OS 6 version, including Material 3 Expressive. We asked Google why the first Pixel watch still has to wait.
(afl)
