Google Pixel Watch: Does It Work With An iPhone?

The tech world witnessed a significant stride when Google unveiled the Pixel Watch, followed by the much-anticipated Pixel Watch 2. These releases marked Google’s commitment to refining the smartwatch experience, showcasing notable improvements in battery life, design, and overall performance.

Does the Google Pixel Watch Work with an iPhone?

In the realm of smartwatches, the Apple Watch remains a top choice for iPhone owners, given its seamless integration with the iOS ecosystem. However, the Google Pixel Watch takes a different approach. Despite its commendable features, it’s imperative to note that the Pixel Watch operates exclusively with Android phones and does not extend its compatibility to iPhones.

In the past, Android watchmakers like Samsung provided limited iPhone compatibility through third-party apps. Still, the landscape changed, leaving the 2020 Galaxy Watch 3 as the last Samsung smartwatch accessible to iPhone users. Similarly, the Pixel Watch aligns itself with this trend, prioritizing integration with Android devices.

Pixel Watch 2: Bridging the Gap or Maintaining Exclusivity?

The Pixel Watch 2 comes with Android 9.0, which is better than the Galaxy Watch 6’s Android 10.0. Google usually sticks with Android and isn’t making an app for iPhones for their Pixel Buds or the Pixel Watch 2. This unwavering stance is not unique to Google. Apple’s AirPods, deeply integrated into iOS, face limitations when used with Android devices. The Pixel Watch 2, while technically compatible with any smartphone running Android 9.0 or later, emphasizes optimal performance when paired with a Pixel phone.

Compatibility Beyond Pixel Phones

Surprisingly, the Pixel Watch 2 extends its compatibility beyond Google’s Pixel smartphones. Technically compatible with any Android 9.0 (or later) smartphone, it embraces a broader range of devices. The Google Pixel Watch app, available on the Play Store, facilitates this compatibility, offering users a versatile smartwatch experience.

Comparing this to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, which requires certain features like Samsung Pay to be paired with a Samsung smartphone, Google’s approach aligns with the open nature of Android. The Pixel Watch 2 stands out as an ideal companion for Pixel phones while ensuring functionality across various Android devices.

Android is trying to give us more options, and their Wear OS smartwatches are a great example of that. Even though the Pixel Watch 2 may not be as good as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, it’s still a big deal for Wear OS and shows that Google is serious about keeping up with the competition. The Pixel Watch 2 has a lot of features and can do a lot of stuff, so it’s definitely a great choice if you’re trying to pick a smartwatch.

FAQ