Google Pixel Watch 5 might get a powerful upgrade

In a surprising twist, Google appears to be developing a custom-built Tensor chip exclusively for its Pixel Watch series.

This new chip, internally codenamed ‘NPT’ (likely referring to ‘Newport Beach’), is expected to debut in 2026 alongside the much-anticipated Pixel Watch 5 (according to Android Authority).

We don’t even have the Pixel Watch 4 yet, but the move to a custom Tensor chip would represent Google’s first major foray into bespoke silicon for wearables, with the primary goal being efficiency rather than sheer processing power.

Google appears ready to take control of its silicon strategy

Unlike cutting-edge phone processors, such as the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite, which prioritise speed and performance, wearable technology requires a delicate balance that leans heavily on power conservation.

Google’s NPT chip appears to follow this principle by incorporating a unique CPU configuration, including one Arm Cortex-A78 core and two Arm Cortex-A55 cores, designs from 2017 that emphasise low power consumption over top-tier performance.

While these older cores may seem unusual for new tech, the decision aligns with current trends in wearables, where brands like Samsung and Qualcomm also opt for older yet power-efficient CPU architectures.

Despite the decision to go with dated CPU cores, Android Authority reports industry insiders are optimistic that the NPT chip will still pack the power needed to advance smartwatch functionality.

Google’s Pixel Watch journey has been a challenging one, marked by hardware hiccups and iterative updates.

The first-generation Pixel Watch suffered from an outdated Exynos chip that drew criticism for being sluggish and inefficient. Google quickly pivoted with the Pixel Watch 2, which moved to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, a significant improvement that was also retained in the Pixel Watch 3.

But with Qualcomm yet to release a new wearable platform, Google appears ready to take control of its silicon strategy, aiming to make the Pixel Watch series more competitive in a growing market.

Whether this custom chip will be the game-changer for the Pixel Watch series remains to be seen but we hope so. In the meantime, check our roundup of the best smartwatches that the Pixel Watch 5 will have to go against.