Pixel Watch November 2024 update and Wear OS 5 rollout details
Google Resumes Wear OS 5 Updates for Pixel Watches
After pausing the Wear OS 5 rollout in September due to issues, Google is now releasing the latest update for Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 as part of the November 2024 security patch. This update brings much-needed stability improvements and bug fixes across all three models.
Update Details and Rollout
The new update is based on Wear OS 5 and has the build number AW2A.241105.012 for all six global models. However, there are some differences for users in France:
- For Orange LTE models in France: The build number is AW2A.241105.013.
- For all other models in France: The build number remains AW2A.241105.012.
The Pixel Watch series is expected to show the “November 5, 2024” security patch level after the update.
Rollout Plan
Starting today, the rollout will be done in phases, depending on the carrier and device. Users of the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 will start receiving the Wear OS 5 upgrade, which was halted earlier. Google plans to gradually extend the update to all devices over the next week.
What’s New in the November 2024 Update?
The update focuses on enhancing device security, fixing known bugs, and improving overall performance. Here is a detailed changelog for each device:
Pixel Watch 3:
- Security Updates: Includes the latest Android security patches for better protection.
- Bug Fixes: Addresses several stability issues, including:
- Resolving the rare occurrence of a white splash screen when navigating to the watch face by pressing the Crown.
- Fixing Bluetooth connection issues that led to connection drops.
- Correcting the display of old, completed calls, which were still showing as active.
Pixel Watch 1 & Pixel Watch 2:
- Wear OS 5 Upgrade: The software update includes an upgrade to the new Wear OS 5, bringing:
- Improved performance and stability.
- Enhanced camera controls via the Play Store update.
- Upgraded Pixel Recorder for better voice recording and playback features.
- Bug Fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the watch face wouldn’t load upon reboot.
- Addressed the problem where a white splash screen would appear when pressing the Crown.
How to Install the Update
To check for the update manually, go to Settings > System > System updates on your Pixel Watch. If it shows “Your watch is up to date,” tap that message multiple times to trigger the update download. You can also speed up the process by going to Connectivity preferences and temporarily disabling Bluetooth, forcing the watch to use Wi-Fi for faster download.
For users who prefer manual updates, Over-The-Air (OTA) images are available for download on Google’s official Pixel Watch support page.
Wear OS 5 Rollout Resumes
The Wear OS 5 update was initially pulled back in September due to reported issues, including a “soft brick” problem. However, Google has now resumed the updates with stability enhancements and fixes for all three Pixel Watch models. This November update marks the resumption of Wear OS 5 upgrades, providing users with new features and improvements.
Verizon’s Changelog Details
Verizon has also shared specific details about the November 2024 update for Pixel Watch models, highlighting the following improvements:
- Security Enhancements: Latest Android security patches have been applied.
- Performance Improvements: General stability and performance have been enhanced across all models.
- Bug Fixes:
- Resolved a rare issue where a white splash screen would appear when pressing the Crown.
- Fixed Bluetooth connectivity problems where the connection would drop unexpectedly.
- Addressed an issue where completed calls were still displayed as active.
No October Update Due to Previous Issues
There was no update released in October 2024 because of a reported “soft brick” issue with Wear OS 5 on Pixel Watch devices. This problem caused the watches to become unresponsive, prompting Google to pause the update rollout. With this latest November patch, Google seems to have resolved the major issues and resumed the updates.
How to Access the Update
To ensure a smooth update experience, users are advised to:
- Check for updates manually via Settings > System > System updates.
- If the update is not available immediately, try forcing the update by tapping the “Your watch is up to date” message multiple times.
- Disable Bluetooth and switch to Wi-Fi for a faster download process.
With the new features and improvements brought by Wear OS 5, the November 2024 update is expected to enhance the user experience across all Pixel Watch models, making the devices more reliable and secure.
Conclusion
The November 2024 update marks an important step for Google’s Pixel Watch series, addressing previous issues and resuming the rollout of Wear OS 5. With a range of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features, users can look forward to a smoother and more responsive experience on their Pixel Watch devices.
If you own a Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, or Pixel Watch 3, be sure to check for updates and install the latest software to enjoy the enhanced functionality and security improvements.