Google Pixel Watch 3: What we already know

The Google Pixel Watch 2 addressed battery life cribs with an improved processor and a slightly larger battery.

We’ve been fans of the Google Pixel watch with its curved display almost from the moment the first Pixel watch hit the scene along with the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, back in 2022. The wearable opted for a circular dial and was finished in stainless steel. But it wasn’t the perfect smartwatch, let down somewhat by middling battery life. The Pixel Watch 2 addressed battery life cribs with an improved processor and a slightly larger battery. It was also the first Pixel Watch to debut in India (currently priced at Rs 34,999) . We’re still about seven months away from the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 3 but the rumours have gradually started to build. Here’s what we already know:

Two size options: This looks imminent. We expected this change for the Google Pixel Watch 2, but Google stuck to the same 41mm size for both its 2022 and 2023 Pixel Watches. The Pixel Watch 2 came in the same 1.2-inch display (450 x 450 pixels / Peak brightness – 1000 nits). We’re likely to see two size options for Pixel Watch 3. 9to5Google.com has suggested that the Pixel could come in two size options. It’s not clear whether the 41mm will stay and a larger, probably a 45mm variant could be added or whether Google will launch two new size options for the Pixel Watch 3.

A smartwatch minus buttons: Wareable has spied a patent filing by Google for a smartwatch that runs purely on gestures sans buttons. It could significantly alter the design and also make it easier to waterproof. It’s quite unlikely that this patent filing could play out in the Pixel Watch 3, patent filings don’t necessarily translate into immediate product updates.

An upgraded Watch unlock feature: 9to5Google.com has based this rumour on an APK insight based on a new application that Google uploaded to the Play store. This suggests that Google is working to upgrade Watch Unlock to use ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. Last year, Google launched Watch Unlock as an exclusive feature of the Pixel Watch series but that uses Bluetooth and can take a few seconds.

Google Pixel Watch 2 was the first Pixel Watch to debut in India, currently priced at Rs 34,999.

The next Pixel watch is also likely to be powered by Wear OS 5.0 that should launch ahead of the Pixel Watch 3 unveil. We also hope Google tweaks the design of the watch bands to make it even easier to swap them around.