Google is set to release its highly anticipated Pixel Watch 4 in 2026, with rumors suggesting that it will feature the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. While this chip may already be outdated, Qualcomm is reportedly working on a new wearables platform that could bring Google’s smartwatch range up to speed.
According to reports from Android Authority, Qualcomm’s new chip, known as the SW6100 and codenamed Aspen, will be a significant improvement over its predecessor. The chip is expected to have a smaller and more efficient production process, an upgraded RAM controller to support LPDDR5X, and a new QCC6100 coprocessor. Additionally, the CPU core configuration will include one Arm Cortex-A78 core and four Arm Cortex-A55 cores, a substantial upgrade from the previous generation.
However, Qualcomm’s efforts to catch up with Samsung’s smartwatch chips may be short-lived. Samsung’s Exynos W1000 chip, which debuted in the Galaxy Watch 7, features a similar core setup to Qualcomm’s new chip. With the release of the Galaxy Watch 8 using the same chip as its predecessor, there is speculation that Samsung may introduce a more advanced chip in the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9.
As Qualcomm works to bridge the gap with Samsung’s smartwatch chips, there is a possibility that Samsung will move on to a next-generation component for its 2026 smartwatch. While Google’s Pixel Watch 4 may offer improved performance with the new Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the competition from Samsung could push the boundaries of smartwatch technology even further.
Overall, the future of smartwatches looks promising with advancements in chip technology from both Qualcomm and Samsung. It will be interesting to see how these developments play out in the coming years and how they will impact the performance and capabilities of smartwatches in the market.
