Earlier this week, Google made a big, unexpected announcement. The Pixel 9 series will launch in August, almost two months earlier than normal. Why?
This edition of 9to5Google Weekender is part of 9to5Google’s updated newsletter highlighting the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up here and receive it in your inbox early!
Historically, Google has held its annual “Made by Google” event to launch the latest Pixel flagships in October. It all started on October 4, 2016 and has continued pretty much along that timeline ever since. One of the first events was in 2020, when Google launched the Pixel 5 and other devices on September 30.
But August 13? That is wild early, to a point where no one really expected it. The event is also moving to Google HQ in Mountain View, California, after a few years in New York City. It’s clear that big changes are coming.
Why the early date?
We’re not sure yet, but there are a few possibilities that immediately jump out.
First, there’s the simple fact that Google’s next Tensor chip, the G4, is more of a stopgap than anything else. A fully custom Tensor chip made by TSMC is due out in 2025, and rumor has it that the G4 will really just be a minor bump up from the current Tensor G3. That should be a good thing, considering the Tensor G3 holds up much better than the first two generations, but we really don’t know how much better it’ll be. Rumors claim it’ll be better with thermals and efficiency, and will also use an updated cellular modem that adds satellite support. Given the minor upgrades, it could be that Google’s next Tensor chip will be ready for primetime a little sooner than last year.
I would call the chip alone a less likely reason for the earlier date. A stronger possibility, I think, is the sheer size of this year’s lineup.
If all the rumors come to fruition—and it certainly seems that way—there will be four new Pixel 9 models coming this year. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The naming scheme seems like a mess, but if it’s priced right, this could be a killer lineup from Google. But to have That A lot of hardware coming to market at once, especially for a company that only has a small (but growing) share of the smartphone market, seems insane. My guess is that Google may announce everything at once, but the actual release will trickle down over the course of a month or more. I certainly hope that given the same event, it’s also fairly likely that new Pixel Watch hardware and updated Pixel Buds will appear.
Finally, there’s one more reason why Google would delay this launch so early, and I think this might be the most likely of them all.
AI.
What else, after all. Google has been pushing AI harder and harder as it feels the pressure from competitors, and Pixel is a key part of that push. By using the otherwise quiet month of August, Google gets a chance to show off new AI ideas on Pixel ahead of Apple’s next iPhones, which now appear to be packed with “Apple Intelligence.” As our own Abner Li reported on Friday, Google has already hinted at powerful new AI features coming this year, such as Gemini Live.
Which of these three reasons could be Google’s inspiration? I think it’s probably a mix, and about a billion other factors, but I’m very curious to see how it all plays out. In a poll, 9to5Google Readers seem to overwhelmingly agree that bringing the Pixel to market sooner is a good idea. I’ve always thought the company should take this into account.
Buckle up, folks; the Pixel rumor mills are likely to be buzzing over the next few weeks.
This week’s top stories
Samsung confirms July 10 launch of foldable devices, Watch Ultra and more
Amid a flurry of leaks, Samsung this week officially announced an event on July 10, where it will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and other new devices like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Below you can read all the news.
It’s going to be a big event.
Google says the Find My Device network will get better
After first impressions of the first Find My Device trackers, Google this week announced for the first time 9to5Google that improvements to the network are coming. This mainly concerns connection speeds, but the full scope of the changes will likely not be known for some time. In addition, Google also directly encouraged Android users to enable the Find My Device network to work in all locations, rather than the default setting of only working in high-traffic areas.
Motorola also announced this week the first network tracker that supports UWB.
Motorola launches new Razr foldable phones
Although it was quickly buried under Google’s big Pixel announcement, Motorola launched its latest Razr foldable models this week. The Razr+ and Razr (2024) maintain the prices of their predecessors, but with some pretty major upgrades. The flagship has a telephoto camera and much improved hardware, while the budget model has a large outdoor display and amazing value for its price.
Stay tuned for our full reviews coming soon.
More top stories
From the rest of 9to5
9to5Mac: US carriers now enable RCS for iPhone users with iOS 18 beta 2
9to5Toys: NZXT H7 Flow review: New PSU placement ensures cool GPU temperatures [Video]
Electrek: Rivian (RIVN) to Talk R2, Cost Savings and More at Investor Day 2024
Follow Ben: Twitter/XWires and Instagram
FTC: We use income generating automatic affiliate links. More.