Pixel Watch Gets Wear OS 6.1 in Major December Update
▼ Summary
– Google is releasing the December 2025 update (Wear OS 6.1) for the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, but not the original model.
– The update introduces new features like AOD Media Controls and new default gestures such as Double Pinch and Wrist Turn.
– Users can manually trigger the update download and speed it up by disabling Bluetooth to force a Wi-Fi connection.
– Google has refreshed several interface elements, including app icons and the Bedtime mode icon in Quick Settings.
– A companion app update is also rolling out, adding a dedicated folder for watch screenshots.
Google has officially begun distributing its significant December 2025 system update for the Pixel Watch lineup, bringing Wear OS 6.1 to the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 models. This release, based on Android 16, represents the first major post-launch update for the newest Pixel Watch 4 and continues the quarterly update cadence established for the wearable platform. Notably, the original Pixel Watch will not receive this upgrade and remains on the older Wear OS 5.1 software.
The update, identified as build BP4A.251205.005.W7, is available for both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and cellular LTE variants. Users can manually trigger the over-the-air download by repeatedly tapping the “Your watch is up to date” message found within the System updates menu. A common trick to accelerate the download process is to temporarily disable Bluetooth in the Connectivity settings, forcing the watch to use a Wi-Fi connection for the update.
Alongside the system software, version 4.2 of the Pixel Watch companion app is now rolling out widely. This update introduces a dedicated “Watch Screenshots” folder, eliminating the previous need to save images from a temporary notification. In a related promotion, the Google Store and major retailers like Amazon are offering a $50 discount on the Pixel Watch 4 throughout the month.
This Wear OS 6.1 update activates several new features that were previously announced. The always-on display support for media controls is now fully functional, allowing users to manage playback without waking the watch screen. Two new gesture controls, Double Pinch and Wrist Turn, are enabled by default post-update. These can be managed in the Gestures settings menu, where users can also toggle off the introductory tutorial hints. While the Double Pinch gesture can currently be used for a variety of actions, like scrolling notifications, sending Smart Replies, or controlling timers, the specific function for answering and ending phone calls is slated to arrive in a future update.
Google has also implemented a handful of visual refinements. The Bedtime mode icon in the Quick Settings panel has been redesigned, swapping a simple moon symbol for a clearer illustration of a bed. Furthermore, the app icons for the Flashlight and Settings applications have been refreshed to better match the signature blue and purple gradient aesthetic found on Pixel phones.
It’s important to remember that while these substantial system updates arrive quarterly, Google frequently introduces new functionality and improvements through the Google Play Store. This approach allows for more rapid feature deployment, as seen with the recent addition of Now Playing support for the always-on display.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
