What you must know
- A latest leak suggests Google is engaged on a customized Tensor chip for future Pixel Watches, set to launch in 2026.
- The upcoming Tensor chip, codenamed NPT, is claimed to incorporate one ARM Cortex A78 core and two ARM Cortex A55 cores.
- While the NPT chip is on monitor for 2026, do not be shocked if it will get some tweaks earlier than its official debut because the leak is from 2023.
A juicy leak has spilled the beans on Google’s Tensor plans, hinting at a customized chip for future Pixel Watches, that are set to drop in 2026.
Leaked paperwork from Google’s gChips group, as reported by Android Authority, reveal that the upcoming Tensor chip for wearables, codenamed NPT, will characteristic one ARM Cortex A78 core and two ARM Cortex A55 cores. Sure, these CPU cores aren’t the latest, however that’s fairly normal for wearable tech.
The NPT chip is claimed to be on monitor for a 2026 launch, however since this leak is from 2023, don’t be shocked if it will get a makeover earlier than it really drops.
So far, Google’s Pixel Watch lineup has relied on ready-made chipsets from Samsung and Qualcomm. The first Pixel Watch from 2022 featured the Samsung Exynos 9110, sticking to the identical processor method because the Pixel smartphones.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 come filled with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5+ chipset, which is a significant leap ahead for Android smartwatches. Thanks to this improve, battery life has seen a significant increase in comparison with the ageing Exynos chip within the unique Pixel Watch.
Aside from these tidbits, there’s not a lot else to go on. A latest scoop from Android Authority uncovered Google’s plans to maneuver away from Samsung-made Tensor chips for the Pixel 10 and 11, selecting to go together with in-house designs constructed by TSMC as an alternative. Given this shift in technique, it’s affordable to suppose that its smartwatch line will comply with swimsuit.
However, a variety of unknowns concerning the wearable Tensor chip stay. Although the leaked information doesn’t specify the node tech for these chips, latest information concerning the Tensor G5 and G6—anticipated to be made on the identical 3nm course of as Apple’s newest chips—provides us some clues. So, it’s truthful to anticipate that the NPT chip may additionally faucet into this cutting-edge course of, which may imply main beneficial properties in battery life.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 brings some good tweaks in comparison with the Pixel Watch 2, nevertheless it’s a giant step up from the first-gen mannequin. So, in the event you’re weighing the selection between the primary and third generations, the newer one is certainly value a glance.
