Your Google Pixel Watch is about to get a major update to Wear OS 5

While Google released the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this year, those still using older Pixel Watches are not left behind. Google just announced that the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 will be getting the latest Wear OS 5 update, which will start rolling out today.

Those who still own Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 models that should be running Wear OS 3.5 or Wear OS 4.0 will now receive the September 2024 software update to Wear OS 5.

It will start rolling out today and will continue to roll out in phases over the next week, depending on your carrier and device. If you have an eligible Pixel Watch, you should get a notification on your watch as soon as this update is available over the air. Google encourages users to update to get the latest software, as staying up-to-date means fewer security holes.

Upgrading to Wear OS 5 will get you new features, a ton of good old bug fixes, and improved performance for the Pixel Watch. You’ll also get app updates via the Play Store to get a new app launcher with grid view, improved camera controls, and the Pixel Recorder app.

One of the most notable changes is the grid-based app launcher. It is visually similar to the launchers of other manufacturers that use Wear OS. Users can choose between it and the list-based app launcher that was available in previous versions of Wear OS.

Wear OS 5 also improves the watch face format. These include flavors, goal progress complication types, weather conditions, and the heart rate system data source.

For runners, Wear OS 5 has more detailed running data that should be helpful. Wear OS 5 provides data on ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio. This is especially useful during training. There are also debounce targets, which are helpful for those who want to maintain a threshold or range, such as a specific heart rate, during exercise.

To check for updates on your Pixel Watch, go to Settings application, select System > System updates. If the update is ready for you, the page should refresh and begin downloading it.