In a surprising twist, Google appears to be developing a custom-made Tensor chip exclusively for its Pixel Watch series.
This new chip, internally named “NPT” (likely referring to “Newport Beach”), is expected to debut in 2026 alongside the highly anticipated Pixel Watch 5 (according to Android Authority).
We don’t even have the Pixel Watch 4 yet, but moving to a custom Tensor chip would represent Google’s first major foray into custom silicon for wearables, with the main focus being efficiency rather than just power treatment.
Google seems ready to regain control of its silicon strategy
Matthias Inghé
Unlike cutting-edge phone processors, such as the all-new Snapdragon 8 Elite, which prioritize speed and performance, wearable technology requires a delicate balance that relies heavily on energy conservation.
Google’s NPT chip appears to follow this principle by incorporating a unique processor configuration, including one Arm Cortex-A78 core and two Arm Cortex-A55 cores, 2017 designs that emphasize low power consumption rather than on high level performance.
While these older cores may seem unusual for new technologies, the decision aligns with current trends in wearable devices, where brands like Samsung and Qualcomm are also opting for older but power-efficient processor architectures .
Despite the decision to opt for outdated CPU cores, Android Authority reports that industry insiders are optimistic that the NPT chip will still pack the power needed to advance the smartwatch’s features.
Matthias Inghé
Google’s journey with the Pixel Watch has been rocky, marked by hardware issues and iterative updates.
The first-generation Pixel Watch suffered from an outdated Exynos chip that drew criticism for being slow and inefficient. Google quickly pivoted with the Pixel Watch 2, which upgraded to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, a significant improvement that was also carried over into the Pixel Watch 3.
But with Qualcomm yet to launch 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 a game-changer for the Pixel Watch series remains to be seen, but we hope so. In the meantime, check out our roundup of the best smartwatches the Pixel Watch 5 will go up against.
