Google set to unveil Pixel 11 series with major hardware and software upgrades

Google has announced the launch of its Pixel 11 line at a dedicated event in New York on August 12, promising new models with a 2nm Tensor G6 processor, increased storage options, and a foldable variant, signifying a significant leap in its smartphone and wearable ecosystem.

Google has confirmed that it will unveil the Pixel 11 line at its Made by Google event in New York on August 12 at 6 p.m. ET, with a livestream on Google’s official YouTube channel. The company’s own store page says the “next generation” of Pixel hardware is arriving on that date and that pre-orders begin the same day, which suggests Google is moving more quickly than it did last year with the Pixel 10 launch. Reporting from Android Central and PhoneArena points to the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 being the centrepieces of the presentation. (store.google.com)

The headline technical change is likely to be the Tensor G6 processor, which multiple reports say will be built by TSMC on a 2nm process and paired with Google’s Titan M3 security chip. If accurate, that would mark an important manufacturing shift for Google’s custom silicon and could improve efficiency as much as raw performance. The base Pixel 11 is also expected to start at 256GB of storage, according to leaks cited by Android Central and TechRadar, with some reporting suggesting Google may drop the 128GB option entirely. (store.google.com)

The broader Pixel 11 family appears to include four models: the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Leaks indicate the Pro phones should keep a triple-camera system with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, while the Pro XL may gain a 5,115mAh battery, 45W wired charging and Qi2 wireless support. The foldable is tipped to retain an 8-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer screen, with up to 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage. Some leaked marketing material also points to an IP68 rating and a new “Pixel Glow” notification bar. (store.google.com)

Google’s watch update looks more restrained. The Pixel Watch 5 is expected in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with LTE and non-LTE versions, but several reports say it will reuse the Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 platform and much of the existing display hardware. That would make the device an iterative refresh rather than a major redesign. There is also speculation about accessory announcements, including possible new Pixel Buds and a long-rumoured tracking device similar to Apple’s AirTag, though neither appears to have solid confirmation ahead of the event. (store.google.com)