TITLE: Pixel Watch 1 Owners Face Disappointment as Wear OS 6 Update Appears Unlikely
Google’s Update Strategy Leaves Original Pixel Watch Behind
Pixel Watch 1 owners hoping to upgrade to Wear OS 6 are facing grim prospects after Google clarified its update policy for the original smartwatch. Despite the device’s official support period extending until October 2025, the company has indicated that major software updates beyond Wear OS 5.1 may not be forthcoming.
Google released Wear OS 6 to the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 earlier this week alongside the Pixel Watch 4 launch. While the Pixel Watch 1 wasn’t included in the initial rollout, many users held out hope for a delayed October update. However, Google has told Android Central not to expect the update for the first-generation device.
Three-Year Promise Meets Hardware Limitations
The situation highlights the ambiguity in Google’s original update promise. The company committed to “at least three years” of software updates for Pixel Watches but never clarified whether this included three major version updates or simply three years of support.
The Pixel Watch 1 launched in October 2022 with Wear OS 3.5 and currently runs the April 2025 Wear OS 5.1 update. According to Google’s official documentation, the device will continue to receive security and bug fixes until its October 2025 support deadline, but the Wear OS 6 upgrade appears increasingly unlikely.
A Google spokesperson initially declined to comment on Wear OS 6 availability for the Pixel Watch 1 but later provided a statement to Android Central that clarified the company’s update strategy. While not definitively stating “no” to the Wear OS 6 update, the statement strongly suggests that any updates after October will be limited to security patches rather than major OS upgrades.
Samsung Sets Higher Standard for Smartwatch Updates
The news places Google’s update policy in stark contrast to competitor Samsung’s approach. Samsung promises four years of software updates for its devices and has apparently confirmed plans to bring One UI 8 Watch to the Galaxy Watch 4 in late 2025—which would represent that device’s fourth major update since its 2021 release.
This discrepancy is particularly notable given that both companies’ smartwatches compete in the same premium market segment. Consumers who invested in Google’s first-generation wearable may feel shortchanged compared to those who purchased Samsung’s contemporary offerings.
Hardware Constraints and Future Implications
The Pixel Watch 1’s hardware may be contributing to Google’s decision. The device uses Samsung’s outdated Exynos 9110 chip, originally designed for Tizen OS Galaxy Watches. Despite featuring 2GB of RAM, Google may have determined that Wear OS 6 couldn’t run smoothly on the older hardware.
This development raises questions about future Pixel Watch update patterns. When the Pixel Watch 5 launches next year, the current Pixel Watch 2—which shares the Pixel Watch 3’s Snapdragon hardware—may not receive Wear OS 7, despite having capable internals.
As reported by Android Central, Google’s update strategy suggests that Pixel Watches will stick to two version updates and three years of security updates, with occasional security patches potentially extending beyond the three-year window.
What Wear OS 6 Brings to Newer Models
The missed upgrade is particularly disappointing given Wear OS 6’s impressive feature set. The update introduces stylish scrolling animations, revamped Tiles, dynamic color theming, custom watch faces, and numerous functional improvements. Many reviewers consider it Google’s most significant smartwatch update to date, making its absence on the Pixel Watch 1 more noticeable.
The Pixel Watch 4 launched on October 9 with Wear OS 6 pre-installed. Based on Google’s current update pattern, we can expect it to receive Wear OS 8 in 2027 but likely not Wear OS 9 in 2028.
For Pixel Watch 1 owners seeking detailed information about Google’s support policies, the company provides comprehensive documentation through its official support channels. Additional context about technology reporting standards can be found in Future plc’s terms and conditions and privacy policy, which govern many technology publications.
The situation serves as a cautionary tale for smartwatch buyers: while manufacturers may promise years of support, the definition of “support” can vary significantly between security patches and meaningful feature updates.
