Google could include a Tensor chip in the Pixel Watch 5.
There has been no news from Qualcomm.
Starting in 2026, Google might choose to develop an in-house custom Tensor processor for the Pixel Watch 5. This information is based on leaked documents from Google's gChips division, according to reports. These documents detail that the wearable Tensor chip, codenamed NPT, features a core configuration that includes an ARM Cortex A78 and two ARM Cortex A55. Although these cores are somewhat outdated, this trend is common in the processors of wearable devices. However, details about the process node technology that would be used for this new chip are still scarce.
Generally, chips are not as crucial in smartwatches as they are in smartphones. As long as the performance is adequate, smartwatch manufacturers tend to focus on extending battery life without compromising smart features. Nevertheless, this early development could be interesting given that the lack of advancements in chips has been a significant obstacle for Android smartwatches. Historically, these devices have relied on Qualcomm chips, which have been slow to release competitive processors. The Snapdragon Wear 2100, 3100, and 4100 versions have not been well received.
It was with the collaboration between Google and Samsung to create Wear OS 3 in 2021 that Qualcomm started to feel the pressure in the market. This chip issue became evident in Google's own Pixel Watch line. The first model used an older Exynos chip from Samsung, while the Pixel Watch 2 adopted Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5. However, since the launch of its last wearable chip in 2022, Qualcomm has not introduced any updates.
Given this landscape, it’s not surprising that Google is considering the option of developing its own chip. This would allow them to be less dependent on external suppliers for introducing new functionalities. It’s worth noting that the leaked documents date back to early 2023, indicating that Google was already projecting the development of the Pixel Watch 5 at that time. We will have to wait to see how things evolve, but Google has been steadily advancing in the smartwatch realm, which gives hope that it will continue to do so in the future.
