Google’s hardware events rarely come with surprises these days. The company has a well-documented history of its upcoming devices appearing online months before they are officially announced, and the Pixel Watch 5 is following that same pattern.

With the Made by Google event scheduled for August 12, 2026, a bit earlier than the company’s usual fall timeline, Google is preparing to introduce the Pixel 11 smartphone lineup alongside its newest smartwatch. Thanks to a series of supply chain reports, regulatory filings, and one unusual real-world discovery, we already have a clear idea of what the Pixel Watch 5 will offer.

Based on the leaks, the upcoming watch looks very similar to last year’s Pixel Watch 4, but it will come with a few new hardware updates and a higher price tag. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.

Underwater prototype

If you were expecting a major redesign for the Pixel Watch 5, the current evidence suggests otherwise. In an unusual turn of events, a prototype of the device was recently found underwater. Randy Pitchford, the co-founder of Gearbox Software, was scuba diving near the Caribbean island of St. Martin when he discovered the unreleased smartwatch.

Pitchford posted photos of the device online, which confirmed a few basic details. First, Google is sticking with the familiar circular, domed glass design that has defined the Pixel Watch line since its introduction. Second, the device’s water resistance appears to be quite effective. Despite being submerged in the ocean, the watch was still functioning in low-power mode and displaying the correct time.

The markings on the back of the recovered prototype also confirmed a few specifications, including a 45mm size option, IP68 water and dust resistance, an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, and the standard array of health sensors for tracking heart rate, SpO2, and skin temperature.

Sizing and new color options

Google introduced a larger size option with the Pixel Watch 4, and it looks like that strategy is continuing. The Pixel Watch 5 will reportedly be available in both 41mm and 45mm variants, giving users an option depending on their wrist size and screen preference.

While the overall shape remains the same, Google is updating the color options. According to leaks from Dealabs, the company is introducing a new color called “Pyrite.” It is described as a pale, brassy-yellow hue with a matte finish, and it will be available on both watch sizes.

For the 41mm model, buyers will reportedly have four finishes to choose from: Dark Anthracite (matte), Natural Silver (polished), Pyrite (matte), and Warm Gold (polished). The larger 45mm model will have a slightly smaller selection, dropping the Warm Gold option but keeping Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, and Pyrite.

Processors and ultra-wideband

The internal hardware is where things are a bit less clear. The previous generation used the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, which provided a much-needed improvement to battery life and everyday performance. For the Pixel Watch 5, the rumors are currently divided.

Some reports indicate Google will use Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, which would likely bring standard improvements to battery efficiency and app loading times. Other rumors suggest Google might introduce a custom Tensor chip for its wearables, aligning the watch with the processors used in its Pixel phones.

Regardless of the processor, the addition of an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip is a practical upgrade. UWB technology allows for precise spatial tracking. In everyday use, this means the Find My Device network will be much more accurate if you misplace your watch, and it could also allow the Pixel Watch 5 to function as a digital car key for supported vehicles.

Pricing

The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to see a price increase across all models, marking the first time Google has raised the base price of the lineup since the original watch launched in 2022.

According to leaked pricing data for the US and Europe, the base 41mm Wi-Fi model will start at $399. That is a $50 increase over the Pixel Watch 4. The larger 45mm Wi-Fi model is expected to start at $429, representing a $30 increase.

The models with cellular connectivity will also cost more. The 41mm LTE version is rumored to be priced at $499, while the 45mm LTE model will likely cost $529.

This price adjustment is likely tied to broader trends in the tech industry. Manufacturers are currently dealing with higher component costs, particularly for memory and storage chips, due to increased demand in other tech sectors.

Rather than absorbing these higher manufacturing costs, it appears Google is adjusting the retail price accordingly. At $399, the Pixel Watch 5 will sit in the same price bracket as the base Apple Watch Series 11.

Release date

Google’s hardware event will take place in New York City on August 12, 2026. Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 5 and the Pixel 11 series are expected to open on the same day. The devices are expected to begin shipping to customers and arrive in retail stores a week later, on August 20.

We will know the full details soon enough, but for now, it looks like the Pixel Watch 5 will be a straightforward refinement of last year’s model, focused on internal upgrades rather than a visual overhaul.

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The post Google Pixel Watch 5 Roundup: Everything We Know So Far appeared first on Gizmochina.