Google Pixel Watch 4: Now Repairable
▼ Summary
– Google’s first Pixel Watch launched in 2022 and was not repairable, with broken units being replaced rather than fixed.
– The newly announced Pixel Watch 4 is designed for repairability, featuring screwdriver disassembly and standardized screws.
– Repairs for the screen or battery won’t void the one-year warranty, and Google will sell replacement parts through iFixit.
– Other improvements include longer battery life and a new gesture for interacting with Gemini by raising your wrist.
– The Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the Bluetooth model and will be available on October 9, later than the Pixel 10 phones.
Google’s Pixel Watch 4 marks a significant shift in the company’s wearable strategy by introducing repairability as a core feature, addressing a long-standing criticism of earlier models. While previous generations required complete replacement for even minor issues, the latest iteration allows users and technicians to perform key repairs without voiding the warranty. This move aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable electronics and positions Google more competitively against industry veterans.
The journey toward repairability wasn’t simple. Google’s earlier Pixel Watches, launched in a mature market, faced scrutiny for their closed design. A company spokesperson previously cited the nascent state of wearables as a reason for limited repair options, even as competitors like Apple celebrated a decade of watch evolution. Now, the Pixel Watch 4 retains its signature domed glass aesthetic but incorporates a modular interior held together by uniform screws, enabling straightforward disassembly with basic tools.
Owners can replace the battery or display using official components available through iFixit, all while keeping their one-year warranty intact. Beyond repairability, the watch offers practical upgrades like extended battery life and a new gesture that activates Gemini assistant with a raised wrist. Pricing begins at $349 for the 41mm Bluetooth version, with LTE models costing an additional $100. Although preorders are open now, shipments will not begin until October 9.
During an exclusive teardown demonstration at Google’s Mountain View campus, industrial designer Junyong Park highlighted the collaboration between design and engineering teams that made the repairable architecture possible. Using little more than a screwdriver, he carefully disassembled a prototype, emphasizing the thoughtful layout and standardized parts that simplify maintenance. “We’re pretty proud of how this turned out,” Park remarked, reflecting a clear investment in user-friendly design and environmental responsibility.
(Source: Wired)
