by Google’s latest flagship phones are the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, but a leaked roadmap gives us an idea of the tech giant’s Pixel plans for the next few years – into 2025. We will be It seems, see foldable phones, spec upgrades and more.
This fascinating glimpse into the future comes from Android Authority (opens in new tab), but keep in mind that this is in no way official and it is not excluded that Google will change its plans, even if this report is currently correct. Even the source itself says the roadmap isn’t set in stone.
With those caveats out of the way, we can dive in. Around Google IO 2023 time in April or May we’re apparently getting the Google Pixel Fold (priced at $1,799, which is about £1,495 or AU$2,675) and the Google Pixel 7a (apparently priced to match this year’s Google Pixel 6a at $449 / £399 / AU$749).
Until 2025
Further out later in 2023 we will have the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This roadmap suggests that the Pixel 8 will be smaller than its direct predecessor, although the Pro model is expected to match the Google Pixel 7 Pro in terms of dimensions and display size. Both phones are reportedly powered by the Tensor G3.
2024 will apparently bring three Pixel 9 models with the Tensor G4 featuring two Pro editions: the existing 6.7-inch size and a new 6.3-inch size (to better match Apple’s iPhone range ). However, the launch of the Google Pixel 8a is dependent on Pixel 7a sales – Google may switch to a two-year cycle for the mid-range phone.
That takes us to 2025, and here the planning is more fluid — a lot depends on how sales of the 2023 and 2024 phones go. Google could launch a clamshell foldable to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, the report said, it could expand the Pixel 10 lineup to four phones and it could launch a Google Pixel Fold 2 bring.
Analysis: according to Apple and Samsung
As the Android Authority also points out when reporting its scoop, Google is clearly trying to follow the lead of Apple and Samsung – the two phone makers that dominate sales in the US. By 2025, Google could have two foldables (like Samsung) and four flagship phone models (like Apple).
Moving the Pixel A series phones to a biennial launch would also suit Apple – which is exactly what happened with the iPhone SE. If power and performance aren’t quite as important, upgrades aren’t quite as urgent, and changing the cycle could help Google stick to a firm price point on these phones.
It remains to be seen whether or not the expansion of the Pixel effort will result in more hardware sales for Google. It’s been working hard to expand its ecosystem of devices — we launched the Pixel Watch this year, and next year we’re getting the Pixel Tablet, which gives consumers more hardware that works seamlessly together.
Meanwhile, the main selling points of Pixel phones have remained the same for years: excellent photos and videos, and a clean and constantly updated version of Android. However, at least in the US, Google has yet to do something about people’s addiction to iMessage to get a significant number of users to switch.
