Google has announced plans to make its Pixel Watch more repairable for users, addressing a key issue that has plagued the smartwatch since its launch. Currently, if a user breaks their Pixel Watch, there is no official repair option available through Google. Instead, users are required to make a warranty claim, which results in a replacement unit being sent rather than repairing the existing model. This lack of repairability has been a point of criticism for Google, highlighting the company’s inexperience in the smartwatch space.
Repairability has become an increasingly important factor for consumers, as more and more electronic devices end up in landfills due to lack of repair options. Google’s decision to focus on making the Pixel Watch more repairable is a step in the right direction towards reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability in the tech industry.
Google’s Commitment to Repairability
During a Climate Week NYC panel hosted by Back Market and moderated by One5c, Nicole Azores, a manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, revealed the company’s plans to improve the repairability of the Pixel Watch. Azores stated that Google is actively working on redesigning the Pixel Watch to make it more repairable, acknowledging the importance of repairability in all of their products.
“We’re thinking about repairability on a broader scale, not just on phones and tablets, and we want to make sure that all of our products eventually become repairable,” Azores explained. “I think watches being so new as a category, there are some design elements that need to be considered on how we make them repairable.”
While Azores did not provide a specific timeline for when the more repairable Pixel Watch would be available, the company’s commitment to prioritizing repairability in their products is a positive step towards reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the tech industry.
The Impact of Repairability on Electronic Waste
The lack of repairability in electronic devices has contributed to a growing crisis of electronic waste, with millions of devices ending up in landfills each year. According to a recent UN climate report, e-waste has reached a crisis point, with approximately 137 billion pounds of electronic waste generated in 2022 alone.
With only a quarter of this e-waste being recycled, there is an urgent need for companies to prioritize repairability in their products to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. Google’s decision to focus on making the Pixel Watch more repairable is a step in the right direction towards addressing this issue and promoting sustainability in the tech industry.
Legislation and Repairability
Efforts to enforce repairability in tech products are already underway, with the European Union passing regulations requiring smartphones and tablets to have longer-lasting batteries or easier methods for users to replace batteries using common tools starting in June 2025. While Google is not required to comply with this legislation, the company’s focus on improving the repairability of the Pixel Watch sets a positive example for other tech companies to follow.
Apple has also taken steps to improve the repairability of its products, with the new iPhone 16 featuring a new adhesive that makes the battery easier to remove. These design changes not only benefit consumers by allowing for easier repairs but also contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability in the tech industry.
In conclusion, Google’s commitment to making the Pixel Watch more repairable is a positive step towards promoting sustainability in the tech industry and reducing electronic waste. By prioritizing repairability in their products, Google is setting a positive example for other tech companies to follow and demonstrating their dedication to creating more sustainable products for consumers.
