Google prepares for its August 12 hardware event, highlighting under-the-surface upgrades to its Pixel flagship and a modest refresh of its Pixel Watch 5, with potential new accessories set to expand its ecosystem.
Google is preparing a major hardware showcase for August 12, when it is expected to introduce the Pixel 11 family, a new smartwatch and, possibly, its first tracking accessory. Google has already started teasing the event, and the clearest message from those promos is that the next phones are not expected to look dramatically different from the current generation. The bigger changes appear to be under the surface, where Google is said to be focusing on new chips, new software features and higher prices. According to Android Central, the launch will take place in New York at 6:00 pm ET and will be streamed on Google’s YouTube channel.
Much of the attention is on the move to Tensor G6, which reports say could be the first smartphone chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process. That would mark a significant step in efficiency if the leak proves accurate, especially because the Pixel 10 line has been criticised for battery life that did not always match its capacity. Reporting from GSMArena also points to a switch to a MediaTek M90 modem, replacing the Exynos modem used in earlier models, while keeping satellite connectivity. At the software level, leaked materials suggest a new “Pixel Glow” or “HiLight” rear indicator light and a more capable Gemini Intelligence system with multi-step tasks and visual understanding.
The standard Pixel 11 is said to keep a 6.3in display and add a telephoto camera with up to 30x digital zoom. TechRadar, which has tracked the leaks closely, says the handset may ship with new colour options and possibly a higher base price. GSMArena’s leaked pricing indicates Google may eliminate 128GB storage on the main and Pro models, starting both at 256GB. For the Pixel 11 Pro, the same reporting suggests a 6.3in panel, up to 120x digital zoom and a lower base RAM allocation of 12GB, with 16GB reserved for the 512GB variant. The Pro XL is expected to remain the larger sibling, with a 6.8in display and a 5,115mAh battery.
The foldable model is also tipped to return as the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with an 8in inner display and a 4,800mAh battery, which would be smaller than the capacity in the current Fold. Tom’s Guide says Google’s teaser and follow-up reporting point to pre-orders beginning on the day of the announcement, with retail availability likely to follow on August 19 or August 26. That timing would fit Google’s recent pattern of moving quickly from launch to sales, particularly for its premium devices.
Google’s wearable plans appear more modest. The Pixel Watch 5 is expected in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with Wi-Fi and LTE versions, but leaks suggest the same Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 platform and the same display as before. GSMArena says battery capacity will rise only slightly and the case thickness will remain unchanged at 12.3mm. Still, the watch is said to gain Gemini Intelligence, improved sleep tracking and a feature that can call for help if pulse detection stops. A separate rumoured accessory, the Pixel Tag, would give Google a direct answer to Apple’s AirTag, using ultra-wideband for precise locating and connecting to Google’s Find Hub network.
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