Google ​Pixel Watch could be delayed until October – and Wear OS 3.0 with it

We’ve been getting pretty hyped for the Google Pixel Watch, but hopes of a May 2022 launch could be wishful thinking.

To catch you up, the long-rumored Pixel Watch was leaked by Jon Prosser, along with images (which have since appeared in other leaks) back in 2021, along with a May 2022 release date at the Google I/O press conference.

Prosser himself has now alleged that Google has pushed the release date back to October 2022, along with the launch of a flagship Pixel 7 smartphone.

However, Prosser has said that Google plans to confirm the existence of the Pixel Watch at Google I/O – and we should get some information about its plans.

Google I/O ’22 From what I understand, Google will officially be announcing the Pixel 6a + “teasing” the Pixel Watch.

Pixel 6a launch (in most markets) pushed to July 28th.

Pixel Watch will be formally announced and launched with Pixel 7 and 7 Pro in October. pic.twitter.com/IwwRX2pZtR
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) March 24, 2022

But the bigger question is when we will see Wear OS 3.0 – the big update to the company’s smartwatch operating system.

That software, which is expected to dramatically improve on the standard Wear OS experience, has been promised to launch on the TicWatch Pro 3, Fossil Gen 6 and forthcoming Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4, is still missing in action, despite being unveiled a nearly a year ago at I/O 2021.

Google has said that it would arrive in “mid to second half of 2022.”

It was assumed by many – including us – that the software was being held for a Pixel Watch’s appearance in May. But if this was to stretch until October, many of these Wear OS watches will be approaching end of life.

Analysis: What does it all mean?

First, it’s important to acknowledge that we’re in the world of leaks and unsubstantiated rumor here. But Prosser does seem to have a good handle on what’s happening with Pixel Watch, so it’s worth considering these developments.

And in terms of Wear OS 3.0, Google’s timeframe of 2H 2022 still stands.

An October smartwatch launch makes total sense. The Pixel Watch should launch with new Pixel smartphones, as a flagship device – and October is a key period ahead of the holidays.

But we cannot fathom Wear OS 3.0 being held until Q4.

That’s not fair on people that have bought smartwatches expecting to receive new features. And we feel for the likes of Mobvoi and Fossil, which would have a generation of smartwatches overshadowed by improvements that are taking an age to arrive.

As ever, watch this space.