Robert Triggs/Android Authority
Google’s Pixel smartphones have seen a huge boost over the past year. first, the Pixel 6 series boosted critical and commercial success, which the company desperately needed after the company’s relative commercial failures Pixel 5 and Pixel4. So, the Pixel 7 series saw even more critical acclaim and, from what we can tell, a continuation of the commercial success of the Pixel 6 line.
The question now is what can we expect from Google in 2023 and beyond? Thanks to an anonymous but trustworthy source, Android Authority can exclusively reveal the major changes that Google will be undertaking with the Pixel series in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Although we have carefully verified this information, please note that this roadmap is not set in stone. Our source said some aspects of the plan are final, but others are on hold. We’ll recognize the likelihood of every detail as we walk you through the Google Pixel roadmap.
The Google Pixel series in 2023
How to Solve/Steve Hemmerstoffer
Next year will see some slight changes to the Pixel lineup. Our source has confirmed that two Pixel phones – named “lynx” and “felix” – will launch around Google I/O in April or May. Both of these phones have already leaked, “lynx” referring to the Pixel 7a and “felix” at Pixel folding (which was also called Pixel Notepad, although Pixel Fold is probably marketed under that name).
Our source confirmed that Google will keep the same price for the Pixel 7a, which would mean a US retail price of $449 to match the price. Pixel 6a. Previous leaks indicated that the 7a would feature several upgrades over its predecessor, including wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate. However, our source did not confirm these specs.
The big news from Google in 2023 will be the launch of the first foldable Pixel.
Later in 2023, Google will launch two new phones in its main series: the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. Our source confirmed that there won’t be too many significant changes for these phones compared to the Pixel 7 series. However, one noticeable change is the shrinking of the Pixel 8 (codename “shiba”), meaning that it will have a smaller screen and a smaller overall form factor. However, “husky” – aka the Pixel 8 Pro – will have the same display and general measurements as the Pixel 7 Pro.
Finally, the code name for the silicon that debuts with the Pixel 8 series is “zuma”. Google will almost certainly market this as Tensor G3.
The Pixel series in 2024: More Pro, less A?
Ryan Haines/Android Authority
Aside from the launch of the Pixel Fold and an earlier launch of the Pixel 7a, 2023 doesn’t look too different from this year. 2024, however, will see significant changes to Google’s Pixel roadmap.
Google Pixel 8a
First, there’s a blueprint for a Pixel 8a, which is codenamed “akita.” However, the plan could be scrapped depending on Pixel 7a sales. Our source says that Google plans to move away from annual launches of the A-series phones and instead opt for a biennial launch (every two years). This would bring Series A more in line with Apple’s iPhone SE serieswhich he sees launch every few years and remains active on store shelves throughout that time.
Depending on the commercial success of the Pixel 7a (or not), Google could move to a biannual launch of the A-series.
Of course, if the company moves away from annual launches, we think the name of the phone could (and should) change. However, our source did not mention a name change and only used codenames.
If a Pixel 8a – or whatever it’s called – launches, its price will increase to $499. However, the fate of this phone remains entirely dependent on the performance of the Pixel 7a in the market.
Pixel 9 series
In the fall of 2024, Google will launch the Pixel 9 series. However, this series will, for the first time, have three devices according to our source.
The first will be the vanilla Google Pixel 9, which would likely be the same overall size and form factor as the Pixel 8 (which, remember, is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7). There’s also reportedly the expected Pixel 9 Pro – codenamed “komodo” – with a screen size in the 6.7-inch realm. Then there would be a second Pro level model which is codenamed “Caiman”. This phone would have all the Pro-level features of the 6.7-inch model, but cram it into a 6.3-inch design.
The Pixel 9 series could get a third phone: a smaller Pro-level model.
Our source compared this strategy to Apple’s iPhone launches. The Pixel 9 would be like this iPhone 14while the 6.3-inch “caiman” would resemble a iPhone 14 Pro. The 6.7-inch “komodo” would be more in line with an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
When we asked how likely this was, our source emphatically stated that it was definitely happening. Google wants to emulate Apple’s successful sizing strategy, which means it needs a Pro-level phone that’s not as big as the Pixel 7 Pro. Pricing, naming and availability are all uncertain, but the goal of three phones is set in stone.
These three phones are expected to see the debut of the Tensor G4, which we’ve learned is codenamed “redondo”.
Foldable future
Finally, there is a plan for a foldable follow-up in 2024. However, not much is known about it at this time. Google is likely waiting to see consumer response to its first foldable – aka “felix” – before getting too specific about follow-up plans.
The Pixel series in 2025: two potential strategies
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
In 2025, our source says Google is considering several choices for its Pixel roadmap, which will be heavily influenced by the success or failure of its 2023 and 2024 plans.
First, Google is toying with the idea of having a flip-style foldable phone to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip series. If it goes that route, the fall 2025 launch of the core Pixel series would include the foldable flip-style model, a non-folding vanilla model (we’re guessing that’ll be the base Pixel 10), and then two Pro-level iterations. with one being smaller and the other being larger.
Google is considering a foldable clamshell for 2025, but it’s also got an alternative strategy in place.
However, if Google ditched the flip-style device, it would go ahead with four non-folding phones. It would be a vanilla model in small and large sizes, and a pro model in small and large sizes. Again, this would align directly with Apple’s current strategy for iPhones.
Finally, the fate of any Pixel Fold successor in 2025 still depends on its reception in the market in 2023.
Leaked Google Pixel roadmap: Our thoughts
Robert Triggs/Android Authority
The information we received from this source makes a lot of sense to us. Almost every company is continuing the success and strategy of non-folding smartphones from Apple and the foldable success from Samsung. Finding out that Google is using the two companies as models for its own future products is anything but surprising.
The question we ask ourselves, however, is whether Google will come too late to the party. Launching Pixel Fold in 2022 is a good move given the lack of international competition in the foldable segment, but the first shot at a flip phone that doesn’t land until 2024 seems too slow. Remember that Samsung sells more Galaxy Z Flip phones than Galaxy Z Fold phones at a ratio of 3:1. Google should tackle the flip market sooner rather than later.
Likewise, Google’s attempt to match Apple’s approach to having more user-friendly business phones is likely to happen in 2023, not 2024. By then, Apple’s strategy may have changed. After all, the “Mini” iPhone series was not a big success, and it seems that the iPhone 14 Plus will meet a similar fate. If Google wants to sue Apple, it has to be faster than that.
Anyway, we are very happy with this news. A more compact Pixel 9 Pro looks fine to us, and the Pixel Fold looks pretty cool. Moving Series A to a two-year schedule also makes a lot of sense.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how Google’s final Pixel roadmap pans out against the information we have.
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