The Google Pixel Watch 3 won’t play nicely with old Android phones

By Bryan M. Wolfe Updated July 31, 2024

A top view of someone wearing the Google Pixel Watch 2. — Pixel Watch 2 Joe Maring / Digital Trends

If you’re planning on ordering a Pixel Watch 3 when it’s announced next month, you might want to hold off. Looking through design leaks we reported on yesterday, 9to5Google has discovered that the Android requirements between it and the Pixel Watch 2 have changed — which could leave some folks with older Android phones left out.

According to leaked marketing images, the Pixel Watch 3 will require an Android phone with Android 10.0 or higher to work. The current model requires Android 9.0.

This change probably won’t affect most would-be Pixel Watch 3 buyers, but it’s a change nonetheless. As 9to5Google rightly notes, only 13% to 14% of Android users currently use Android 10; even fewer are using Android 9. For reference, the current version of Android is Android 14, although Android 15 is coming soon.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 will likely debut at a Made by Google event on Tuesday, August 13. It will arrive alongside the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Fold Pro. For the first time, the Google Pixel Watch will reportedly be available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm.

The new watch is also expected to include an upgraded chipset from the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chip found in the Google Pixel 2. It may also be equipped with an ultra wideband (UWB) chip for precise location tracking and short-range communication. The watch is also expected to have a brighter display than the current model.

The Made for Google event starts at 10 a.m. PT on August 13. Once again, Google will stream the event live across platforms such as X and YouTube.

Topics

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Mobile

Does the Google Pixel 9 have an SD card slot?

A person holding the Google Pixel 9, showing the camera.

The Pixel 9 Pro may be the belle of the ball with more than a few jazzy tricks, but that hasn't stopped the Google Pixel 9 from winning itself some praise -- and for good reasons. The in-hand feel is plain fantastic, the looks are fresh, it performs reliably, and it takes photos that put far more expensive phones to shame.

It’s the Pixel camera, after all. It’s easy to be swayed, especially after seeing the results. But if you’ve been eyeing the Pixel 9 for its photography chops, storage space should be your primary consideration before you pick one, and rightfully so. As a result, you might be wondering if the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold have SD card slots to expand your available storage. Here's where you'll find your answers.
Does the Pixel 9 have an SD card slot?

Mobile

Google made a puzzling decision with the Pixel 9

A person holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

Google's Pixel devices have supported Battery Share for a while, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices and accessories using a supported phone. Previously, you could perform this task while also charging your phone while it was plugged in. However, with the release of the Google Pixel 9 series, you can no longer do so.

As Android Police has discovered, a new Google support page explains that Battery Share automatically turns off whenever your Pixel 9 is plugged into a wired charger. This means you can no longer charge your phone and accessories simultaneously. Though Google hasn’t confirmed why, this change has probably been made to reduce heat and increase the lifespan of the phone’s battery.

Mobile

Google just launched these 5 new features for your Android phone

The display on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google is bringing a handful of new features to Android phones, including tools to keep users safe during a natural disaster, enhancements to accessibility using AI, and easier music discovery. Simultaneously, the company has reached a critical milestone with Android 15, pushing it closer to its public release in the coming weeks.
Keeping users safe during earthquakes

Google says its remarkable earthquake alert system is now available to users across all American states and territories. It plans to reach the entire target base within the next few weeks. Google has been testing the system, which also relies on vibration readings collected from a phone’s accelerometer, since 2020.