Google announces the awaited Made by Google 2026 hardware release scheduled for Wednesday, August 12. The event will take place in New York City once again and is expected to start at 6:00 PM ET, which is significantly later than other events where new products were introduced in the mornings. Several hints regarding the next-gen Pixel and a gold metal frame are already generating buzz around the new smartphone and wearable.
The Google Pixel 11 Series: Major Overhaul
A total of four phones are expected to be announced, with all devices being deeply integrated with Gemini AI.
- Models: The four models are expected to be Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the premium Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
- Performance: According to rumors, all four will have the Tensor G6 – Google’s first processor built using TSMC’s 2nm node.
- Connectivity: It is rumored that the company will finally switch from Qualcomm modems to MediaTek’s M90 modem to finally improve network connectivity and battery life of their devices.
- Design: The Pixel Glow, an unusual rear camera bar with an RGB LED notification light capable of reacting to the interaction between the user and Gemini is rumored to become one of the most notable features of the new line of smartphones.
Wearable Devices and Storage Changes
The lineup will consist of two types of Pixel Watch 5, following the trend set up by the previous releases of Google’s watches.
- Pixel Watch 5 Features: The watch is expected to feature Wear OS 7 with several health sensors such as ECG, SpO2, and electrical skin conductance sensors.
- Storage and pricing: According to rumors, Google plans to join other companies in dropping the 128 GB base storage option and moving to 256 GB only. However, analysts note that the lack of global memory chip supply may result in even higher prices; hence, base Pixel 11 might have a higher starting price.
AI-based Impact and Market Positioning
This time, the company focuses on the AI-first approach in the development of hardware devices. The combination of a number of advanced agentic AI features together with the Glow-like visual language indicates that Google wants to introduce a more intuitive and interactive experience for users. However, although the exterior design will be consistent with the Pixel 10 line, the hardware will receive a major update, from a 2nm chipset to new modem technology and the LED notification lighting system.
In the coming days before the event on August 12, the industry will see whether the upgrades are justified by the increased prices. Global broadcast of the event on Google channels will show whether the new vision of Pixel has succeeded.
