Google Pixel Watch 2: Price, new features, release date and more

The original Google Pixel Watch finally gave us the own-brand Google smartwatch we've been waiting for, but there was certainly room for improvement – which is why we're excited about the Google Pixel Watch 2.

Google Pixel Watch 2 was unveiled at its October 4 Google Pixel 8 event, with pre-orders available now. Lots has changed internally, from its multi-path heart rate sensor to the materials used, although the watch still looks very similar to its predecessor from a design perspective.

We’ll break down all the changes, prices, release dates and features below, collecting everything we know about the watch based on our brief hands-on time. If you’d like to know more, you can check out everything we've learned about the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro phone and our live coverage of the Google Pixel 8 launch event.

Want to know our first impressions on the latest Pixel products? Check out our hands-on Google Pixel 8 review, our hands-on Google Pixel 8 Pro review and hands-on Google Pixel Watch 2 review too.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? Google's next Pixel smartwatch

• When is it out? October 4

• How much does it cost? From $349 / ￡349 / AU$549

Google Pixel Watch 2: release date and price

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is available for pre-order now, priced at $349 in the US, ￡349 in the UK and AU$549 in Australia. The Watch 2 will ship on October 12 in Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel, There are also a wide variety of straps available.

Just like last year, only one size is available – 41mm.

Google Pixel Watch 2: Specifications

Google Pixel Watch 2: New Features

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is packing a whole host of new stuff. A longer 24-hour battery life even with an always-on display enabled, is a real treat as the original Pixel Watch’s battery life was notoriously short. It’s packing a faster quad-core Qualcomm SW5100 processor and a new multi-path heart rate sensor, which is said to be up to 40% more accurate during vigorous exercise than the original Google Pixel Watch.

This new sensor array will also help with stress management: the Body Detection feature will monitor wearers for stress over time, to help them manage stress levels and suggest ways to incorporate relaxation into their days.

Build-wise, it shares the same design ethos as its predecessor, but it’s 5g lighter at a slender 31g and the domed glass used to make up its screen is thinner, although it’s said this doesn’t impact durability. The aluminium that makes up its case is now 10% recycled, a little like the Apple Watch Series 9. Charging is now faster with a four-pin charger said to go from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Emergency safety features have also been included, including a new Safety Check feature which, if the watch doesn’t receive input from you within an allotted amount of time during an emergency situation, it will automatically share your location with your emergency contacts.

A redesigned Fitbit app is also set to incorporate generative AI next year, allowing you to ask its digital assistant health queries like “How does my latest run compare to my recent performance?” Google’s AI can then pull your latest results and feed them back to you in a summary, making suggestions based on the evidence available. For example, if your run isn’t up to your usual performance, it might also note that your sleep score is trending downward.

This better assistant integration extends to other Google features such as Gmail and Calendar, as you can now view emails and reply from your wrist with a simple "Hey, Google".