Google has recently increased the charging speeds for the first-generation Pixel Watch through a firmware update. However, this means that the watch now takes longer to charge compared to when it was first released. The company quietly updated the support page for the device to reflect the new charging times.

For those who own the original Pixel Watch, you may have noticed that it now takes at least 15 minutes longer to charge. The charging times have increased from 30 minutes to 45 minutes to go from 0% to 50%, 55 minutes to 75 minutes to go from 0% to 80%, and 80 minutes to 110 minutes to go from 0% to 100%. It’s important to note that these are estimated charging times and can vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature and battery condition.

The reason behind this change has not been explained by Google. Speculation suggests that this reassessment was a result of the release of the Pixel Watch 2. The new watch features a newer processor, a slightly larger battery, and a new magnetic charging puck with a pin mechanism. Google claims that the Pixel Watch 2 lasts longer between charges, and it’s possible that the company arrived at this conclusion during testing.

It is also worth considering that thermal concerns after a full charging session might be a contributing factor. Some Pixel Watch owners have reported that the watch can become warm during charging, leading them to wait a minute or two before wearing it. Reports of the glue holding the backplate coming undone may have also influenced Google’s decision to make changes to the firmware.

Overall, the revised charging speeds on the first-generation Pixel Watch may be an inconvenience for users, but the reasons behind this change remain unclear.