Pixel Watch 5 is official and this is your ultimate handbook

Forget all the rumours; the Pixel Watch 5 has been officially unveiled and we can finally separate fact from fiction. As Google’s main smartwatch for 2026 and arguably the best example of what’s available through the Wear OS platform right now, is it time to consider an upgrade? Here’s all you need to know about the new watch.

Now that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 have hit the scene, all eyes turn towards Google to see whether it can deliver the best Wear OS device of 2026. After all, last year’s Pixel Watch 4 is still an incredible device, so the hope is that if Google can build upon those foundations, then it may have something truly special here.

With the curtain pulled back, however, it seems as though the Pixel Watch 5 will be more of an iterative update than we would have liked. Still, if you’re currently using an older wearable Pixel Watch 3 or older smartwatch, then you might be wondering if now is the time to finally trade in. To help you decide, here’s all the key info, including what’s new and how much the Pixel Watch 5 costs.

Pixel Watch 5: What’s new?

A new approach to health and fitness

2026 has been a big year for Google and fitness tracking, what with the release of the Fitbit Air and the revamped Google Health app, so it only makes sense that the company is looking to incorporate some of that strategy into the Pixel Watch 5.

This time around, loss of pulse detection will be available from day one (this previously wasn’t the case for the Pixel Watch 4 in the US), and now users will be greeted with a daily Readiness Score, that takes into account all of their recent sleep and exertion, giving them understanding of whether their body is ready to tackle another workout, or if rest should be prioritised. It’s all very Whoop Strap, but given that this is in vogue with the industry at large right now, its inclusion makes sense.

Google also touts improved GPS tracking on the Pixel Watch 5, something that is sure to appeal to outdoor runners who want more detailed information about their workouts.

Better sleep tracking

In addition to fitness tracking, Google has really leaned into sleep tracking this time around. The whole process is more refined, starting with bedtime automations which downplay notifications so you can focus on getting ready for bed.

Once asleep, the Pixel Watch 5 can now track your breathing overnight to assess for any issues that might be impacting your sleep quality, and when awake, users are now presented with a succinct sleep score and a much improved Morning Brief which can let you check in with your body’s current bill of health.

Gemini Intelligence on your wrist

Having access to Google Gemini on your wrist was one of the first big features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, but Google is now taking that a step further with Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel Watch 5.

Although it’s not quite the same as how it works on the Pixel 11, wherein it can complete tasks on your behalf, Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel Watch can offer up contextual assistance so that you can more quickly respond to certain things.

For instance, if someone is after a recipe that a friend sent you in a separate text message, Gemini can go ahead and find it for you in the background so that it’s available to send in just a few taps. It’s hard to quantify how much of a difference this will make in everyday use of the Pixel Watch 5, but we’re very eager to see the technology at work.

Same design, new colours

The Pixel Watch 5 has the same design as the Pixel Watch 4, that’s understandable after last year’s significant set of upgrades. Though they were visually subtle, it gets the same repairable screen (which is the domed Actua 360 display) and battery, as well as charging contacts on the side for a more convenient and faster charger (above).

The new thing this year in true Google style is new colourways which line up with the Pixel 11 Pro range. New options include Fog, Canyon (41mm exclusive), and Olive with all-new Pyrite casing. These land alongside the usual Obsidian black.

Like the Fitbit Air, there’s also a Steph Curry Special Edition which gives you a strap, co-designed with the NBA star.

When is the Pixel Watch 5 release date?

The Pixel Watch 5 was unveiled 12 August at the Pixel 11 event in New York with pre-orders opening up the same day. Its official on-sale release date is 20 August.

Although it was revealed at the same time, the Steph Curry Special Edition Pixel Watch 5 will be available to buy at a later date of 3 September.

Pre-order the Pixel Watch 5

How much does the Pixel Watch 5 cost?

The Pixel Watch 5 starts at £369/$399, which does represent an uptick on the price of the Pixel Watch 4, which had an entry-level rate of £349/$349.99.

The Steph Curry Special Edition Pixel Watch 5, which is only available in 45mm, costs quite a bit more at $579 (UK availability has yet to be confirmed).

Here are the prices in full:

• Pixel Watch 5 (41mm) – £369/$399
• Pixel Watch 5 (45mm) – £399/$429
• Pixel Watch 5 (41mm + LTE) – £469/$499
• Pixel Watch 5 (45mm + LTE) – £499/$529
• Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry Special Edition (45mm) – $579