Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Rumors: Coming August 13, New Design, Pixel XL
The Pixel 9 series appears to be arriving a lot earlier than expected, as Google has invited press to a Pixel hardware event on August 13. The company’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro launched back in October of last year, but it appears Google wants to release its phones before Apple announces its iPhone 16 line. Google’s phones have all offered solid performance, generous software support, and innovative AI-powered features, while the more recent $499 Pixel 8A has pared back some specs to go with its affordable price.
Rumors are still very patchy, but we have been able to glean some key information about the upcoming series, especially after Google’s I/O keynote focused so heavily on AI.
We’ll update this story as we get closer to the Pixel 9 launch, so stay tuned.
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Launch August 2024
Google typically releases its new Pixel devices in October (as was the case with the Pixel 8 series and Pixel 7 series), but the company has officially sent out invites for a Pixel hardware event on August 13. It’s unclear why Google chose to change its launch dates, but it could serve a purpose in order to get its phones out to the public before Apple unveils the iPhone 16 line, which is expected to arrive in September.
The above teaser, posted to the company’s Made By Google YouTube channel, doesn’t give much away beyond the Roman numerals (IX means nine, by the way) and some very subtle outlines of the phone.
Even with an earlier announcement, there’s no guarantee the phones will actually be available for purchase then. There’s a good chance Google could show off its new phones at its Mountain View headquarters, but they won’t hit store shelves until later this year. Either way, we won’t have to wait long to find out.
Three (or four) Pixel 9 models
A rumor that has been around since Android Authority published the end of 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 base Pixel 9, but there may now be two versions of the flagship Pro range: a large model and a smaller model.
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The smaller version is said to be similar in size to the base model, but will feature the higher-performance cameras normally only seen on the larger model. The 9 Pro XL (as it’s rumored to be called) is said to have the same high-end specs, but with a larger display.
This is more in line with Apple’s strategy, which typically combines base iPhone models with two Pro phones in different sizes with improved cameras.
It’s also possible that a fourth model is coming: an update to the original Pixel Fold, which launched in June 2023. We expected to hear more about the Pixel Fold 2 (rumored to be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) at Google I/O, but the company only talked about AI updates, with any new folding hardware noticeably absent. We’d hoped for a hint of the phone in June, but the month flew by without so much as a rumor about Pixel foldables. It now seems more likely that the company plans to announce a cohesive slate of new devices all at once in August.
iPhone-like design
Speaking of the iPhone, the Pixel 9 lineup could be getting design changes that echo the aesthetics of the iPhone 15. Renders apparently obtained by noted tipster OnLeaks and published from MySmartPrice show a Pixel 9 with flat, metal sides and a flat back panel that resemble those on the most recent iPhones.
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The other big physical change shown in the leaks is the camera bar on the back. Previously, it was one solid bar that spanned the entire width of the phone and was attached to the edges on either side. The renders suggest that the camera bar will instead be an oval island with no center space. Google’s Pixel 9 teaser video (seen above) gives little away, but the subtle edge-lighting in the video does appear to reflect the new camera bar.
A render of the Pixel 9.
While rumors haven’t been specific about what screen size we can expect, most signals suggest the base Pixel 9 will stick around the 6.1-inch mark, with the 9 Pro coming in at a similar size. The 9 Pro XL is said to be larger, measuring around 6.8 inches, putting it in line with the dimensions of the current Pixel 8 Pro.
Similar cameras
Full camera specs have yet to leak, so there’s little for photographers like myself to get excited about just yet. Rumors of a third size for the Pixel 9 family suggest that Google could bring the same triple-camera setup (including telephoto zoom) to the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, which is currently only available on the larger Pixel 8 Pro handset.
That’s good news for those of you who prefer a smaller phone but still want all the best features. Whether Google is taking a page from Apple’s book and adding exclusive features to its largest 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 deliver decent, but not top-tier, performance.
New Tensor Processor
It’s almost certain that Google will unveil the next generation of its own processor, which will likely be called the Tensor G4. Google’s Tensor processors aren’t the best in class in terms of raw power, but the company boasts that they’re specially tuned for on-device AI. We expect that to be the case again for Google’s next Tensor chip.
Android 15 at launch
Google always uses the Pixel line to show off the latest that 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 at Google I/O in May, with early developer previews showing off new settings for improved privacy and camera controls.
An important new feature could be the addition of satellite messages, according to Android Authority, which will allow the Pixel line to 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.
Additionally, it’s safe to assume that there will be a greater emphasis on generative AI features. We’re also hoping that Google continues to provide software support for at least seven years, as it did with the Pixel 8. If that’s the case, 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 leaks through WinFuture suggests that the upcoming Pixel 8A will be more expensive than its predecessor, at least in Europe. The Pixel 7A launched for 509 euros (around $542), but the Pixel 8A could cost 569 euros ($606), according to the report, which is a significant year-over-year increase. A price hike for the Pixel 8A doesn’t necessarily mean a more expensive Pixel 9 lineup, but it does suggest that Google isn’t shy about raising its prices.
