Recent leaks as reported by andriodauthority.com suggest that Google may be developing a custom Tensor chip for its future Pixel Watch, expected to launch within the next couple of years. So far, Google has relied on third-party processors for its smartwatch lineup, first using Samsung’s Exynos chips and then transitioning to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5+ chip for the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This shift to the W5+ has brought significant improvements, particularly in battery life and performance, compared to the first-generation Pixel Watch.
Given Google’s strategy of using in-house Tensor processors for its smartphones, it seems only logical that the company would apply the same approach to its wearable devices. According to leaked documents from Google’s chip division, reported by Android Authority, the tech giant is working on a new chip, possibly named “NPT,” which could debut in 2026, likely with the Pixel Watch 5.
Although technical details are still scarce, the leaked documents reveal that the custom smartwatch chip may feature a 1x Arm Cortex-A78 core alongside 2x Arm Cortex-A55 cores. While these core designs are somewhat dated, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5+ chip—currently powering Google’s latest watches uses even older Cortex-A53 cores built on a 4nm process. This indicates that the use of older cores does not necessarily signal underperformance, as efficiency and advanced manufacturing processes can still drive significant improvements.
If Google builds the new Tensor chip for smartwatches on TSMC’s 3nm node, similar to its upcoming smartphone chips, it could result in a highly efficient and competitive product. While many questions remain about how well the custom chip will perform in real-world use, this development highlights Google’s long-term plan to streamline its product ecosystem by bringing more components in-house.
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