WearOS 5 boosts Google Pixel Watch battery life amid rollout snag
Pixel Watch 1 and 2 users are doing a double-take at their battery indicators. The culprit? Google’s latest WearOS 5 update. Early adopters are reporting their watches lasting noticeably longer on a single charge, breathing new life into devices that once struggled to make it through a full day. However, this anticipated update hit a snag soon after its rollout began.
For those who successfully installed WearOS 5 before it was halted, the impact on battery life has been mostly positive. The gains are not drastic, but they are noticeable.
Many users are reporting that their Pixel Watches are lasting longer between charges, with some estimating a 10 to 20 percent improvement. The update seems particularly beneficial for those who track workouts, use GPS, and interact with notifications throughout the day.
Reports from users detail scenarios where battery life has improved, even under moderate to heavy use. One user on Reddit notes that their Pixel Watch now ends the day with around 48 to 52 percent of battery remaining, compared to the 28 to 35 percent they were accustomed to under WearOS 4. Others echoed similar sentiments.
The update appears to have resolved some long-standing issues as well. Users have reported that GPS tracking no longer causes random reboots, addressing a problem that had frustrated some device owners in the past.
A bumpy rollout
While the battery improvements are clearly the star of the show, it’s worth noting that the rollout hasn’t been without its challenges. Google has temporarily paused things due to reports of some watches becoming unresponsive and requiring factory resets. The word on the street is that the company will resume the WearOS 5 rollout in November, once these issues have been resolved.
Despite the hurdles, the overall reception from those who have successfully installed the update has been largely positive. It’s important to note, however, that experiences vary. While most users are reporting improved battery life, a small number have experienced the opposite effect.
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In any case, it’s now a waiting game for those who have not installed the software, as Google works to iron out the kinks in the WearOS 5 rollout. But Pixel Watch owners who haven’t yet received the update can look forward to potential improvements in their device’s battery performance.
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