Wear OS 5, the latest operating system (OS) for Android-based wearables such as smartwatches, has begun rolling out on Google Pixel Watch 2 and older models. The update, which debuted in May at the Google I/O 2024 developer conference, enhances the watch face format (grid-based app launcher) in partnership with Samsung and brings recording capabilities to Pixel smartwatches. It also bundles system improvements and fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
WearOS 5 update for Pixel smartwatches
Google announced in a blog post that the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch running Wear OS 4 and 3.5 respectively will receive a software over-the-air (OTA) update in September 2024, which will include an upgrade to Wear OS 5. Its rollout is a phased process , and will continue next week, depending on carrier and device. Once launched, users will receive a notification on their smartwatch advising them to upgrade to the latest available software.
Google says the Wear OS 5 update for Pixel Watch 2 has model number AW2A.240903.005.A1, while the model number for Pixel Watch is AW2A.240903.005.A2. After the update, the smartwatch will get “new features.” While it doesn’t delve into what features might be available, it does mention a grid view launcher, improved camera controls, and a Pixel Recorder feature from Google’s older smartwatches. As a result, users will be able to view their apps in a new grid-based layout – in addition to the only list-based layout available previously.
In addition, the September 2024 software update will also include performance updates and bug fixes, details of which can be found on Google’s Pixel Watch security advisory page.
The Wear OS 5 update for Android-based smartwatches also discontinues support for watch faces in the Google Play Store that were developed using the Not Used Watch Face Format (WFF). Only watch faces that meet Google’s quality and performance standards will be accessible on smartwatches running the new firmware. This change replaces WFF, which Google launched in 2023 in partnership with Samsung.
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