Google is considering how to make its Pixel Watch more repairable in the future. Nicole Azores, a manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, spoke about this at a recent Climate Week NYC panel. Azores said watches are “so new” as a category.
She noted there are design elements that need to be considered to make them repairable. “We’re thinking about repairability on a broader scale, not just on phones and tablets,” Azores said. “We want to make sure that all of our products eventually become repairable.”
Currently, if a Pixel Watch breaks, Google replaces it instead of repairing it.
There is no way to repair it through official channels. Google has not provided a timeline for when design changes to improve repairability will be implemented.
Future repairability considerations
It is unclear if the Pixel Watch 4, expected next year, will have these improvements. This is the first time Google has publicly addressed concerns about the repairability of its smartwatch. Until now, company representatives typically had no comment on such questions.
The Pixel Watch entered the market relatively late. Google shipped around 880,000 Pixel Watches in the fourth quarter of 2022. Improving the repairability of devices like the Pixel Watch could help reduce e-waste.
In 2022, around 137 billion pounds of electronic waste were generated globally, with less than a quarter recycled. Whether repairability changes appear in the Pixel Watch 4 or future models, increased repair options would benefit both consumers and the environment.
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.
