- Google is developing Adaptive Charging for the Pixel Watch, aiming to reduce battery wear and extend lifespan.
- Code in a recent update hints at the feature, but it’s unclear which models will support it or when it will launch.
- While useful for phones, its impact on smartwatches is uncertain, as many users charge their wearables in short bursts rather than overnight.
Google is reportedly working on bringing its Adaptive Charging feature to the Pixel Watch lineup, a move that could help extend battery lifespan by reducing wear from overcharging. The feature, already available on Pixel phones, optimizes charging based on user habits to slow battery degradation over time. While it hasn’t been officially announced, signs of its development have been spotted in the latest Pixel Watch Management Service system update.
Recent findings in the system app code hint at Adaptive Charging being in the works, though it remains unclear which Pixel Watch models will support it or when the feature will roll out. Unlike smartphones, where users typically charge overnight, smartwatches present a different challenge, as many users rely on them for sleep tracking and opt for quick charging sessions during the day. This raises questions about how effectively the feature will integrate with real-world usage patterns.
On Pixel phones, Adaptive Charging learns the user’s habits and delays reaching 100% charge until just before the device is typically unplugged. If implemented similarly on the Pixel Watch, the feature would likely prevent prolonged exposure to full charge levels, helping slow down battery degradation. However, with the Pixel Watch’s 24-hour battery life, some users may find it inconvenient if the device doesn’t charge fully when needed.
Competing wearables offer mixed battery performance. The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts multiday battery life, giving it an edge over Google’s smartwatch, while Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 has a runtime similar to the Pixel Watch. Adaptive Charging won’t extend the actual daily battery life of the Pixel Watch, but it could preserve long-term performance by preventing excessive battery wear.
With smartwatch battery longevity being a major concern for users, Google’s move to implement Adaptive Charging could be a welcome update—provided it strikes a balance between longevity and usability. For now, Pixel Watch owners will have to wait for an official announcement to see how and when the feature will roll out.
