Google is updating older Pixel Watches to improve their performance.

As the Pixel Watch 4 arrives in stores, Google is now delivering the Wear OS 6 update to the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. Owners of older devices sometimes worry about being forgotten when new products launch, but Google is supporting its customers this time.

The update seems to be broadly available, as Reddit users in various regions (from the U.S. to Europe) have confirmed receiving it, suggesting a wide release. It is good that Google is quickly releasing this update, providing new features to watches that are one or two years old. This action means that users who don't want to buy new hardware yet can still experience the newest software from Google.

In the smartwatch market, software support is very important because it keeps devices up-to-date, secure, and useful. The Wear OS platform used to be disorganized, with irregular updates. However, Google's current strategy improves its position against its competitor, Samsung. While Samsung also utilizes Wear OS, it customizes the software and has its own update schedule, promising four years of OS upgrades for its Galaxy Watches.

By releasing Wear OS 6 to older models at the same time as the Pixel Watch 4 launch, Google is demonstrating its commitment to supporting its products. This increases trust in the Pixel ecosystem and makes the older watches more appealing.

Launching a new device while simultaneously updating older ones is a positive move for consumers. It highlights Google's focus on the long-term user experience, not only the initial sale, and improves the Pixel Watch's reputation.

While the Pixel Watch 4 will likely have better hardware, the fact that Pixel Watch 2 or 3 users receive the updated Wear OS 6 software is a major benefit. For some, it makes keeping an older device for another year a reasonable choice.