The arrival of the Pixel Watch 5 has been widely anticipated, following numerous leaks, including one suggesting a unit was found underwater.
Google’s forthcoming flagship smartwatch has been registered with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), introducing some uncertainty.
The device’s standard appearance in the FCC’s records further confirms the imminent release of the Pixel Watch 5. It appears under model numbers G25QD, G1XJ6, G0F3Y, and GFW3R, all previously verified via BIS listings and categorized as ‘wireless devices.’
This aligns with expectations that four models will be available, offering two sizes and various connectivity options.
The confusion arises because the FCC documents indicate that all four models support LTE (4G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This suggests the absence of a more affordable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-only version, which is typically offered.
Chris Martin / Foundry
There is speculation about whether Google plans to introduce a Pro or Ultra variant along with the Pixel Watch 5, but the situation seems less complex. It is likely that all Pixel Watch 5 models will have identical internal components. The circuit board includes a modem capable of 4G connectivity, but it is disabled at the firmware level before distribution.
This scenario is similar to vehicles equipped with speed limiters; they have the potential for higher speeds with the same engine but are modified for specific uses.
There’s bigger news here
The more significant development is that the Pixel Watch 5 will not feature 5G capabilities, unlike the Apple Watch Series 11.
Exploring this further, upcoming smartwatches in 2026 are expected to include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite chipset, which supports 5G RedCap. This could power competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 series, though they are also anticipated to remain limited to 4G LTE.
The prevailing reason for this choice could be the ongoing memory crisis, which has significantly increased tech prices. The cost of integrating 5G might not be justified, especially since most consumers might not perceive or appreciate the added value.
As a result, a more budget-friendly version could be offered to maintain profitability.
The wait for further details might not be long. The Pixel Watch 5 is slated for an August launch alongside the Pixel 11 phones. Samsung is rumored to unveil the Galaxy Watch 9 series and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 on July 22 at its anticipated Unpacked event.
