Google is considering how to make future Pixel Watch models more repairable, according to Nicole Azores, a manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google. Azores spoke at a Climate Week NYC panel focused on repairable technology. “Watches and wearables are still fairly nascent, and we are thinking through how to make this repairable,” Azores said.
“We’re thinking about repairability on a broader scale, not just on phones and tablets, and we want to make sure that all of our products eventually become repairable.”
Azores noted that watches, being a relatively new category, present unique design challenges that need to be addressed to make them repairable. However, she did not provide a specific timeline for when these changes might occur. The Pixel Watch, Google’s first smartwatch, was launched in 2022.
Future Pixel Watch repairability exploration
The move to create a repair-friendly design reflects an industry trend toward sustainability and reducing e-waste. In 2022, it was reported that 137 billion pounds of e-waste were generated globally, with less than a quarter being recycled.
European regulations are pushing for more repairable tech, requiring smartphones and tablets to have longer-lasting batteries or user-replaceable options by June 2025. While Google isn’t bound by these regulations, adopting a similar approach for its devices, including the Pixel Watch, would be a significant win for consumers and the environment. Google’s consideration of a more repairable Pixel Watch is a positive step toward sustainability.
Whether these changes will appear in upcoming models remains to be seen, but it signals a shift in thinking that could have broader implications for the tech industry.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
