Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 now getting Wear OS 6 update
Wear OS 6 is now rolling out to the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. Users are triggering the update manually by tapping the watch icon in the settings menu, a trick that still works.
Wear OS 6 now rolling out to older Pixel Watch models
Wear OS 6 has been available on the Pixel Watch 4 since launch. But now the update is landing on earlier models as well, including the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. The rollout appears to be live in multiple countries including the UK, US and Germany. I live in the UK and my trusty old Pixel Watch 2 has updated successfully. You can read the official Google announcement on this link.
If you haven’t received the update automatically, there’s the old trick. Go to Settings > System > About, then keep tapping the watch icon. That usually triggers it if the new software is available in your region. It is what worked for me.
The software version is 16.0.0 with build number BP3A.250905.014.W3. The download itself takes about 10 minutes, and the install also takes a bit of patience. You’ll need to have your watch on the charger and charged above 50 percent.
Some users are reporting noticeable battery drops during and immediately after the update. So it’s probably not something to launch before a workout. However, you should likely see improvements in battery life in normal day to day use. Google has said that thanks to Wear OS platform optimizations, watches updating from Wear OS 5 to Wear OS 6 should see up to 10% improvement in battery life.
Pixel Watch 1 users are still waiting, although Google has confirmed the update will come. LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 seem to be included in the rollout with no problems. A few users are even running the update on devices they plan to trade in, just to give them a final farewell.
What to expect after installing Wear OS 6
You shouldn’t expect a full redesign, but this is still a substantial update. Wear OS 6 introduces Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design, which reshapes how the system looks and feels. The interface now makes better use of round displays, with smoother animations, softer typography, along with elements that hug the edges of the screen.
Dynamic color theming is one of the more visible additions. The system now adapts accent colors based on your current watch face, matching app interfaces and tiles automatically. The result is a more unified, polished appearance without needing manual adjustments. Lists and buttons have also been reworked. They now move with more fluidity as you scroll, with scaling animations that match the contours of the screen.
As mentioned, performance should be better with quicker transitions and notifications. The new three-slot tile layout helps standardise glanceable information, so widgets like weather, calendar, or health data fit better within the circular frame. A redesigned edge-hugging button improves navigation and space use, particularly on smaller screens.
Gemini AI is also coming to Wear OS. It will eventually replace the legacy Google Assistant, offering more conversational responses and better integration with apps. Once active, you’ll be able to ask it contextual questions about messages, events, or emails directly from the wrist. This is part of Google’s wider shift to unify its AI across devices, though rollout timing may vary by region and language.
Security and authentication have seen upgrades too. Passkeys are now supported, allowing direct sign-ins on the watch without relying on a paired phone. Media controls have been expanded, with faster skipping, playlist access, and better handling for podcasts and streaming apps.
Some users expected new watch faces with this update. There are reports of the Pride face appearing, and some have the new APK installed. But others say faces like Concentric aren’t working or just aren’t visible yet. It’s unclear whether another app update will be needed to unlock the full set.
Official change-log of the update:
Software versions
Global
- Pixel Watch 2, & 3: BP3A.250905.014.W3
What’s Included
BC25 Styles & Component Adoption
- Dynamic color theming
- Rounded fonts & icons
- New Wear 6 components (Edge buttons, Pickers, Dialogs, Scrollbar, etc.)
- Updated Tile templates/layouts
Google Maps auto-launch on Wear OS watches
- Stay on track with directions that auto-launch on your smartwatch when you walk or bike with the latest version of Google Maps app
Safety Check Timer Extension
- Users can add time to an active Safety Check.
Device Applicability
Applicable updates are available for the following models:
- Pixel Watch 2
- Pixel Watch 3
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