Next Year, Wear OS Watches May Finally Receive a Major Processor Upgrade

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, three years can feel like an eternity. Qualcomm, after launching its Snapdragon W5 and W5+ Gen 1 chips in 2022, has been notably silent regarding developments in the wearable System on Chip (SoC) space. With Google’s Pixel Watch still relying on the aging W5+ platform and minimal advancements from other players—aside from Samsung’s proprietary chips—Wear OS devices continue to struggle with hardware limitations such as battery life.

However, a new leak suggests that significant changes may be on the horizon. As reported by Android Authority’s Kamila Wojciechowska, Qualcomm is testing a new wearable chip codenamed Aspen, also identified internally as SW6100. Although official branding has yet to be revealed, such as W6 Gen 1 or W5 Gen 2, this leak offers valuable insights into the future of Wear OS hardware.

Historically, Qualcomm’s smartwatch chips have been underwhelming, often cobbled together from less powerful smartphone technology with minimal enhancements. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, for example, leaned heavily on existing technology rather than tapping into Qualcomm’s full potential. However, the Aspen chip indicates a possible shift in strategy.

Built using a TSMC process node, known for its efficiency, the SW6100 could significantly improve battery life. Additionally, the introduction of an upgraded RAM controller to LPDDR5X promises enhanced speed and power efficiency. Most notably, the Aspen chip features an advanced CPU configuration—1x Cortex-A78 and 4x Cortex-A55 cores—a considerable upgrade from the outdated Cortex-A53 used in earlier models.

This modern core structure is also seen in Samsung’s new Exynos W1000, hinting at a competitive landscape. While details regarding the new coprocessor, QCC6100, remain scarce, it’s worth noting the absence of RISC-V technology, which Google and Qualcomm once promoted. Currently, it appears that the RISC-V initiative for wearables may be on hold.

Although a release date has not been confirmed, projections suggest that if SW6100 enters production, we might see developments by 2026. With Wear OS in need of innovation, any indication of new silicon is certainly worth the attention of enthusiasts.