Earlier this week Google made a big and unexpected announcement. The Pixel 9 series will launch in August, almost two months ahead of schedule. Why?
This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is part of the relaunched 9to5Google newsletter that highlights Google’s biggest stories with added commentary and other information. Sign up here to get 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 4th, 2016 and has continued around that timeline ever since. One of the earliest events was in 2020, when Google launched the Pixel 5 and other devices on September 30.
But August 13? This is wildly early, to a point that no one would have guessed. The event is also moving to Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, after several years in New York City. Clearly, big changes are on the horizon.
Why the early date?
We won’t know for sure for a while, but there are a few possibilities that jump out immediately.
For one, it’s the simple fact that Google’s other Tensor chip, the G4, is more of a hindrance than anything else. 2025 will see the arrival of a fully custom Tensor chip made by TSMC, and the G4 is said to really just be a small bump on top of the current Tensor G3. That should be good, as the Tensor G3 is holding up much better than the first two generations, but we really don’t know how much better it will be. Rumors say it will be better with heat and efficiency, and it’s also adopting an updated cellular modem that includes satellite support. So given the minor improvements, it could just be that Google’s next Tensor chip will be ready for primetime a little earlier than last year.
However, I would call the chip only 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 true – and it sure looks like it – there will be four new Pixel 9 models this year. Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The naming scheme looks like a mess, but if the price is right, this could be a killer lineup from Google. But to have that so many devices hitting the market at once, especially for a company that only holds a small (but growing) share of the smartphone market, seems crazy. I’d take a guess that Google might just end up announcing everything at once, but rolling out the actual release over a month or so. I would certainly hope that, at the very least, given the same event, it is also quite likely to bring new Pixel Watch devices and updated Pixel Buds.
Finally, there’s another reason Google might be pushing this launch so early, and I think it might be the most likely of all.
HE.
What else, after all. Google is pushing AI more and more as the company feels the pressure of competition, and the Pixel is a key component of that push. Using the quiet month of August gives Google a chance to show off new AI ideas in the Pixel ahead of Apple’s upcoming iPhones, which now appear to be packed with “Apple Intelligence.” As our own Abner Li was checking in on Friday, Google has already teased powerful new AI features coming this year, such as Gemini Live.
Which of these three reasons could be the inspiration for Google? 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 survey, 9 to 5 Google readers overwhelmingly seem to think it’s a good idea to release the Pixel earlier, and that’s something I’ve always felt the company should consider.
Gather up, people; will probably be busy in the coming weeks in the Pixel rumor mills.
This week’s top stories
Samsung confirms July 10 launch for foldable devices, Watch Ultra, etc
Amid a flurry of leaks, Samsung this week officially announced a July 10 event where it will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and other new devices like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Below you can follow all the news.
It will be a big event.
Google says the Find My Device network will improve
After early impressions of the first Find My Device trackers, Google this week first said 9 to 5 Google that network improvements are coming. This is mostly related to connection speed, but the full scope of the changes probably won’t be known for a while. In addition, Google also directly encouraged Android users to allow the Find My Device network to work in all locations, instead of its default setting to only work in “high traffic” areas.
Motorola also this week announced the first network tracker that supports UWB.
Motorola introduces new foldable devices Razr
While it was quickly buried under the big Google Pixel announcement, Motorola this week launched its latest Razr foldable device. The Razr+ and Razr (2024) keep the prices of their predecessors, but with quite a few improvements. The flagship model has a telephoto camera and much improved hardware, while the budget model has a large external display and just amazing value for its price.
Stay tuned for our full reviews coming soon.
More top stories
From the rest of the 9 to 5
9 on 5 Mac: US carriers now enable RCS for iPhone users running iOS 18 beta 2
9to5 Toys: NZXT H7 Flow Review: New PSU Placement Delivers Cool GPU Temps [Video]
Electrek: Rivian (RIVN) talks R2, cost-cutting and more at 2024 Investor Day
Follow Ben: Twitter/XThemes and Instagram
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn income. More.