Google’s monthly security updates are not just limited to its Pixel phones. ThePixel Watchalso gets a new build every month, though it is not always released alongside Pixel phones. On many occasions, the update has been delayed by a few days or weeks. The same story is repeating this time around as well. While the September 2023 update for compatible Pixel phones started rolling out at the beginning of the month, the Pixel Watch’s patch was nowhere to be seen. Almost two weeks into the month, Google has officially started the rollout of the latest security patch for its wearable.
Interestingly, while the September 2023 build was aQuarterly Feature Drop for Pixel phones, packing several new features, the smartwatch’s update is a lot more generic. It only contains security patches and no other improvements, as Google’s release notes reflect.
What’s Included
The Sep 2023 software update includes the latest security patches for Pixel Watch users.
Google is yet to update thePixel Watch Security Bulletinwith the September 2023 patch details. Once that happens, you’ll get a better idea of all the security issues fixed in this release.
While the rollout begins today, the company notes in itsannouncementthat the OTA will go live in Canada starting September 18. You might not receive the update immediately since it is being made available in phases. But you’re able to manually pull the firmware by navigating toSettings > System > System updatesand repeatedly tapping the “Your watch is up to date” screen. Ensure you put the wearable on charge, as the installation won’t commence otherwise.
The September 2023 firmware for the wearable drops just days after thecompanion Pixel Watch app received a major update. Install the latest build, and a prompt will appear on your phone to “Sign in to Google and link your watch to access all settings.” So far, you never had to log in to your Google account on the Pixel Watch’s companion app.
The October 2023 update could be a major one for the Pixel Watch. It should bringAndroid 13-basedWear OS 4to the wearable with new features and enhancements, like anew watch face formatenabling better designs with richer functionality, underlying optimizations for performance and battery life, andseemingly even Material You support. This is further corroborated by theleaked Pixel Watch 2 faces that showcase dynamic theming. More importantly, Wear OS 4 will bring native backup and restore support to the OS.
Wear OS 4 should debut alongside theGoogle Pixel Watch 2andPixel 8 seriesat the company’sMade by Google event onOctober 4. Android 14 is also expected to be released for compatible Pixel phones on the same day.
