Buying a Pixel Watch 3? You’ll need a phone with at least this version of Android to use it

The Pixel Watch 2 has officially become old hardware as the Pixel Watch 3 takes its place as Google’s latest smartwatch. If you’ve ordered one for yourself, be sure to check on what version of Android your phone is running on because you may need to upgrade.

The Pixel Watch 3 not only includes various hardware upgrades, but also comes with newer software in the form of Wear OS 5. Google’s new smartwatch also offers new features made possible by the new tech. To take advantage of these improvements, the company is raising the minimum requirements for what Android versions will be compatible.

When the first Pixel Watch launched, users needed a phone with at least Android 8. The Pixel Watch 2 then raised the minimum requirement to Android 9 or higher when it was released. Now, the Pixel Watch 3 is continuing the tradition and raising the minimum requirement to Android 10 or newer.

It’s highly likely this change won’t affect you as only about 4.59% of active Android devices worldwide run Android 9, and even fewer for older versions, according to StatCounter. But if you are one of the few, the time has come to update.

There are two other requirements you should be aware of before you start setting up your device. Of course, you’ll need a Google account first if you don’t have one already. The second requirement demands that you install the Google Pixel Watch app.

Google Pixel Watch 3

Google Pixel Watch 3

Ultra-wideband connectivity • Two sizes • Thinner bezels

Two sizes, better than ever.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and each size comes in Wi-Fi or LTE options. They all come with improved activity and fitness tracking, thinner bezels, and Wear OS 5.

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