Google’s inevitable ‘Pixel Watch Ultra’ should copy the Fitbit Air

Ben Schoon | Aug 23 2026 - 9:45 am PT

It feels rather inevitable that Google will give in to the whole “Ultra” smartwatch fad, and when something along the lines of a “Pixel Watch Ultra” does arrive, I really hope it pulls influence from Fitbit Air.

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If it weren’t clear, I don’t get the whole obsession with “Ultra” smartwatches. I’m glad something as advanced as the Apple Watch Ultra or the Galaxy Watch Ultra exists, but let’s be honest: 80% of the customer base buying these don’t need everything these products have to offer, and they know it. In that sense, I’m glad Google hasn’t jumped into this market yet. But with Pixel Watch 5 starting to feel like it’s at a wall of either needing to change or at least expand, it’s all the more likely Google might move into this market – it’s certainly popular.

The Pixel Watch sits in a weird spot as it stands today. Google has been continually pushing this as a fitness-focused wearable, but its premium design almost feels out of place in sporty or demanding environments. The domed glass isn’t as scratch-resistant as sapphire, and it’s fully exposed. Back before Google got around to making this design repairable, I was actually wary of wearing my Pixel Watch in those kinds of settings. It’s a gorgeous smartwatch, don’t get me wrong, but it’s certainly more stylish than it is sporty.

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Compared to Samsung and Apple, the Pixel Watch doesn’t look like it’s even in the same product category.

So, “Pixel Watch Ultra.” How does that differ?

I think a sports-focused version of a Pixel Watch is a radically different product, ditching the domed display and pebble-looking nature of Google’s existing timepiece completely for something a bit more rugged. That could mean leaning into the metal chonkers that Apple and Samsung have been putting out, but there’s a different direction I’d personally prefer.

Google has a smash hit on its hands with the Fitbit Air – I want a Pixel Watch that follows that lead.

One of the key things I’d love to see copied is the band mechanism. Fitbit Air’s core pebble pops out of the band, and that feels doable with a sporty smartwatch too. A case, as long as it’s sturdy, could surround the watch and leave the display exposed, with a little lip to help protect a display that, hopefully, would be made from sapphire or maybe that new ceramic Pixel 11 Pro Fold display covering.

Will it happen? We’ll see. I think it’s almost inevitable that we get a more sports-focused Pixel Watch down the road; this is just my idea for what it should be. Just as likely is we keep getting more fitness trackers instead, maybe one with a screen.

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