The flagship Google Pixel 9 series will be unveiled at a “Made by Google” Pixel launch event on August 13, and Google has already confirmed the arrival of the foldable Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold on its social media channels. The company’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro launched in October last year, but it seems Google wants to release its phones before Apple announces its iPhone 16 lineup. Google’s phones all offer solid performance, generous software support and innovative AI-based features, while its latest $499 Pixel 8A drops some of the specs that come with its more affordable price tag.
There are a few key pieces of information we’ve been able to glean about the upcoming range, both from Google’s official social media channels and the usual tipsters and whistleblowers that have been showing renders and leaked specs for months.
We’ll be updating this story as the Pixel 9 launch approaches, so keep checking back.
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Departure on August 13, 2024
Google usually releases its new Pixel devices in October (as was the case with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series), but the company has officially sent out invites for a Pixel hardware event on August 13 and teased some of its products for the same . date. It’s not clear why Google has chosen to change the launch dates, but it could be that its phones hit the public eye before Apple completes its iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected in September.
The teaser above, posted on the company’s Made by Google YouTube channel, focuses on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, showing off the new design and camera layout before confirming an August 13 release date.
Even with advance notice, there’s no guarantee when the phones will be available for purchase. There’s a chance Google will show off its new phones at its headquarters in Mountain View, California, but they won’t hit store shelves until later in the year. Either way, we won’t have to wait long to find out.
Three (or four) Pixel 9 models
A rumor that has been going around since Android Authority released it in late 2022 is that there will be three models of the Pixel 9 phone, instead of the usual two. We’re still expected to see a basic Pixel 9, but there could now be two versions of the flagship Pro range: a large model and a smaller one.
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The smaller version is said to be similar in size to the base model, but will include higher-performance cameras that are usually only seen in larger sizes. The 9 Pro XL (as it’s said to be called) would have the same top-of-the-line specs, but with a bigger screen.
This more closely mirrors Apple’s strategy, which typically includes base iPhone models alongside two Pro phones in different sizes with improved cameras.
The fourth model is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, an update of the original Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023. We expected to hear more about Google’s new foldable device at I/O, but the company only talked about AI updates, with new foldable devices being conspicuous by its absence. While we were hoping for some hints of the phone in early June, Google’s latest video confirmed that we have to wait a little longer for its August reveal.
iPhone-like design
Speaking of iPhones, the Pixel 9 range may feature design changes that echo some of the aesthetics of the iPhone 15. Google’s official X account posted a video that clearly shows the rear of the Pixel 9 Pro, confirming the flat sides , metal and an updated camera roll as we’ve seen in previous leaks. Previous renders apparently acquired by popular tipster OnLeaks and published by MySmartPrice showed the same features, with a Pixel 9 sporting a look similar to that seen on the latest iPhones.
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The other big physical change shown in Google’s video is to the camera bar on the back. Previously, this was a solid strip that spanned the entire width of the phone, connecting to the edges on both sides. Instead, the video confirms that the camera bar will become an oval island that stands alone in the middle, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold having two camera ‘pills’ inside a raised island.
An alleged render of the Pixel 9.
While the rumors haven’t been specific about the size of the screens we might see, most signs suggest that the base Pixel 9 will remain around 6.1 inches, with the 9 Pro coming in at a similar size. The 9 Pro XL would be larger, measuring around 6.8 inches, in line with the size of the current Pixel 8 Pro.
Similar cameras
The full specifications of the camera are yet to be revealed, so photographers like me can’t get excited just yet. Rumors about a third size for the Pixel 9 family suggest that this will allow Google to bring the same triple camera setup (including telephoto zoom) to the smaller Pixel 9 Pro. Currently, this is only available on the larger Pixel 8 Pro handset.
This is good news for those of you who prefer a smaller phone but still want the best features. Whether Google takes a page from Apple’s book by adding exclusive features to its biggest phone remains to be seen. (The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, has a 5x optical zoom option that isn’t available on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.)
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro perform well, but not top-notch.
New Tensor processor
It’s pretty much known that Google will unveil the latest generation of its beefed-up processor, likely to be called the Tensor G4. Google’s Tensor processors aren’t top-of-the-line in terms of raw power, but the company boasts that they’re specifically tuned for on-device AI. We expect this to be the case once again for Google’s next Tensor chip.
Android 15 at launch
Google always uses the Pixel line to show off the latest Android has to offer, so it’s safe to assume that the Pixel 9 series will launch with the latest Android 15 on board. Android 15 got its second beta drop at Google I/O in May, with developer previews showing off new settings for improved privacy and camera control.
A major new feature could be the addition of satellite messaging, according to Android Authority, helping the Pixel line compete with Apple’s Emergency SOS features that also use satellite messaging.
The Pixel 8 line launched with Android 14 on board. The Pixel 9 will almost certainly launch with Android 15.
Beyond that, it’s safe to assume that there will be a greater focus on AI-generating features with Google’s Gemini expected to come as standard on all new Pixel models. We also hope Google continues to offer at least seven years of software support like it did with the Pixel 8. If so, the Pixel 9 series will still be safe to use in 2031.
Higher prices
There are no rumors yet about possible pricing for the Pixel 9 series, but a slight price hike could be on the cards. While the Pixel 8A didn’t see a price increase in the US over the Pixel 7A (both models started at $499), in the UK, its price rose from £449 to £499. A higher price for the 8A doesn’t necessarily mean a more expensive Pixel 9 range, but it does suggest that Google isn’t shy about raising its prices, at least for those of you shopping in the UK.