Google Pixel Watch 2 could be released much sooner than expected.

 We’re expecting a lot of Google Pixel hardware in 2023, and according to one new report, one of Google’s upcoming releases this year is the Pixel Watch 2.

A report from 9to5Google on May 5 cites a “source” that claims the Google Pixel Watch 2 will be released later this fall alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Given Google’s past Pixel smartphone releases, that means we’ll likely see the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 series debut in early October.

We could see the Pixel Watch 2 next week -

With Google I/O approaching, it's very feasible that we'll get an early look at the Pixel Watch 2 at the keynote next week. Google initially teased the original Pixel Watch at I/O 2022 in May of last year, before presenting it in full the following October. A modest tease at this year's I/O is not assured, but it is also not ruled out.

While this is fantastic news for the Pixel Watch 2, it also provides insight into how Google intends to handle the Pixel Watch series in the future. It wasn't obvious whether Google intended to conduct annual upgrades for the Pixel Watch, but if this report is correct, it appears that will be the case.

So, what do we expect from the Pixel Watch 2? Quite a few things! Google got the comfort and basic health-tracking components of the original Pixel Watch right, but there's so much more it can do with a successor.

The most important issue that the Pixel Watch 2 must address is battery life. In our tests, the Pixel Watch fails to last a full day, which is unacceptable for a wristwatch today. It's easier said than done, but Google has numerous possibilities.

For starters, it may benefit from a more recent chipset. The Pixel Watch's Exynos chipset has been out of date for quite some time, which does not bode well for battery life. Google has an easy solution to this problem now that Qualcomm's significantly more powerful — and efficient — Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset is ready. Increasing the case size of the Pixel Watch (or having two sizes) would also allow for a larger battery capacity.

But battery life isn't the sole consideration. We'd also want to see the Pixel Watch 2 launch with a much smaller display bezel, more robust fitness capabilities, and perhaps a limited-edition device to compete with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra.

Will any of this actually occur? We can't say for certain just yet, but with an autumn release rumoured, we shouldn't have to wait too long to find out.