The Google Pixel 9 series is shaping up to be the most significant shake-up to the line in years. Here is all we know about them!
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Published on11 seconds ago
Update: April 19, 2024 (03:48 PM ET): We have updated our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with the first real-life images of what we think is the Pixel 9 Pro.
The Google Pixel 8 got here last October, but we’re already hearing rumors about what’s next from Google in 2024. Let’s jump right in and discuss everything we know about the rumored Google Pixel 9 series!
Google Pixel 9: At a glance
When might it come out? The Pixel 9 series is expected to arrive in October of 2024.
What new features could it have? It’s too soon to say for sure, but you can likely expect four phones for the first time, along with the expected processor, spec, and camera upgrades.
How much might it cost? The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to cost around $799 and $999, respectively. The smaller Pro variant will likely slot in between these two price points, although Google raising the prices of all three devices isn’t out of the question, either. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will likely cost about the same as the original Pixel Fold, which launched at $1,799. Will there be a Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel series is currently in its 8th generation, and Google’s commitment to its smartphone lineup is evident. There’s no indication that this will change in the near future. Furthermore, we’ve already heard plenty about the Pixel 9, further solidifying this commitment.
As far back as December 2022, Android Authority exclusively reported a leaked roadmap, suggesting the release of three models in 2024. Alongside the anticipated Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the roadmap indicated the existence of a second, smaller Pro model. This option caters to individuals who prefer a smaller display while still desiring the same Pro-level specifications.
Since then, we’ve seen leaked renders, information about the upgraded processor, and other tidbits of info that corroborate our earlier leak. All this combined makes us very certain that a Pixel 9 launch is coming in 2024.What is the most likely Google Pixel 9 release date?
Google Pixel 8 — October 4, 2023
Google Pixel 7 — October 6, 2022
Google Pixel 6 — October 19, 2021
Google Pixel 5 — September 30, 2020
The Google Pixel line has almost always arrived in October, likely timed to follow up the latest iPhone launch, which usually happens in September. The one exception to this was the Pixel 5 launching in late September, but that likely had to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s clear that October is Google’s preferred month for a new Pixel launch.
Historically, the launch happens early in the month, with a release to markets a week or so later. Following this pattern, we expect an early October 2024 launch event for the Pixel 9 series, with pre-orders starting that same day and shipments coming shortly thereafter.How many Pixel 9 phones will there be?
As we mentioned earlier, we leaked the Pixel roadmap in late 2022. In that leak, we posited that there would be three Pixel 9 phones, which would be a huge shake-up for the series. Although Google has had several different strategies for Pixels over the years, it has never launched three phones in one mainline family.
We were trepidatious when we learned that information since it was so early on. However, now we are very confident that, for the first time, there could be more than two Pixel phones for the ninth iteration in the series. This could include a vanilla Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, and a Pixel 9 Pro XL. There is also evidence to suggest the follow-up to the Pixel Fold could be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold — giving the Pixel 9 series a whopping four phones.
If you remember, the last time Google launched an “XL” phone was in 2019 with the Pixel 4 XL. It abandoned launching a large phone altogether with the singular Pixel 5 and then introduced “Pro” models with the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, therefore, is a combination of past and present strategies.
If you’re wondering why Google would push three slate phones like this, there’s a one-word answer: iPhones. The iPhone series has a small vanilla model (i.e., iPhone 15), a more powerful variant of that with the same or similar dimensions (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro), and then a larger version of that more powerful device (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro Max). Google is simply emulating this strategy, which, quite obviously, has worked out very well for Apple.
However, Apple doesn’t have a foldable phone yet, so Google’s strategy could be quite different if recent leaks are to be believed.On April 15, 2024, we received word that what was known as the Pixel Fold 2 may have been rebranded to the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold.” Codenamed “comet,” the moniker Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t final, but our sources say it’s the name Google is currently using for it at the moment.
Let’s get into the leaked designs of the phones so we can tell you more about what to expect!What will the Pixel 9 look like?
The first design leak for the Pixel series was the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which came via reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka “OnLeaks.” At the time, though, Steve said it was the Pixel 9 Pro. Regardless, this will be the largest model in the family. With reported dimensions of 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, it is about the same size as the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Check out the renders below:
The images show a phone that looks quite different from previous versions. Firstly, it has a fully flat look, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The camera bar at the back is also changing and looks more compact than before.
The primary camera sensor also appears to be much bigger.
