Google's Pixel Watch Ultra should adopt Fitbit Air's modular design

Google is likely to eventually release a rugged 'Ultra' version of the Pixel Watch to better compete with high-end offerings from Apple and Samsung. This move would position Google's wearables as serious fitness tools, filling a critical gap in a portfolio currently defined by elegance over endurance.

Writing in a 9to5Google Weekender column, author Ben argues that a sports-focused timepiece is inevitable given the market success of the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra. To achieve this, Ben suggests Google move away from the current 'pebble' aesthetic. Specifically, he proposes that a future Ultra model adopt the band mechanism used by the Fitbit Air, which allows the core pebble to pop out of the band for easier transitions and versatility.

Closing the Ruggedness Gap

The current Pixel Watch series is widely regarded as stylish, but it lacks the durability required for intense athletic use. The existing domed glass design is particularly vulnerable; Ben notes that it is more prone to scratches than the sapphire crystals found in competing rugged watches.

To solve this, the 9to5Google analysis suggests Google implement sapphire glass or a new ceramic display covering. Ben points to the material used in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as a potential blueprint for a more resilient screen capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor sports.

Shifting the Hardware Strategy

Moving toward an 'Ultra' model would signal a fundamental shift in Google's hardware strategy. "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," Ben wrote.

By pivoting from a fashion-forward accessory to a durable tool, Google could capture a segment of the market that currently views the Pixel Watch as too fragile for serious training. This transition would align the wearable lineup with the broader industry trend of creating specialized, high-durability tiers for power users and athletes.

The Path Forward

While these suggestions remain speculative, they highlight a clear void in Google's current wearable portfolio. Whether Google chooses to integrate Fitbit's modular band designs or develops a proprietary rugged chassis remains to be seen. For now, the industry is watching to see if Google will prioritize the 'pebble' elegance of its current line or embrace the bulkier, more protected form factor of its primary competitors to win over the athletic market.