If you’re planning to grab a Pixel Watch 3 when it’s announced next month, you might want to pause for a moment. Recent design leaks have revealed a potentially significant change in Android requirements between the Pixel Watch 3 and its predecessor. According to leaked marketing images, the Pixel Watch 3 will demand an Android phone running Android 10.0 or higher to function properly. This contrasts with the current Pixel Watch 2, which only requires Android 9.0. While this change might not affect the majority of prospective Pixel Watch 3 buyers, it’s a notable shift nonetheless. As 9to5Google points out, only 13-14% of Android users currently utilize Android 10; even fewer are using Android 9. For context, the current version of Android is Android 14, with Android 15 on the horizon. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is slated to make its debut at a Made by Google event on Tuesday, August 13th. It will arrive alongside the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Fold Pro. In a first for the Pixel Watch series, the Google Pixel Watch 3 will reportedly be available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm. The new watch is also anticipated to include an upgraded chipset from the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chip found in the Google Pixel 2. Furthermore, it may feature an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for precise location tracking and short-range communication. The watch is also expected to boast a brighter display compared to the current model. The Made for Google event kicks off on August 13th at 10 a.m. PT. Once again, Google will stream the event live across various platforms such as X and YouTube.
Pixel Watch 3 Android Requirements Raise Concerns for Some Users
