In a move that has very much come out of the left field, Google has announced that their upcoming Pixel launch event which usually takes place in October will be coming much sooner, being brought forward to Tuesday 13th August.
The event is typically a showcase that reveals the next line of Pixel products – the next iteration of the Pixel phones, and potentially the new Pixel Watch, Buds and Tablet this year.
Not much more other than the date has been revealed for the event, although the official video to reveal the date also teased a new-look design for what is presumed to be the Pixel 9 Pro.
The Pixel 9 range is probably the only dead certainty to show up at the event, and that is further confirmed by what appears to be a sneak peek at a new design for the rear camera setup of the Pixel 9 Pro, depicting a slightly more compact look.
It is expected to be the 9 Pro since it is just about possible to make out the triple-lens camera that features on the Pro lines of the Pixel phones, but it also helps that the Pixel launch event holding page for the event has ‘Google Pixel 9 Pro’ in the URL.
Getting ahead of the competition
Presumably, Google’s thought process behind moving up its official launch event to August is to get ahead of their competition, mainly Apple but also still Samsung.
Google’s biggest Android competitor, Samsung, has also recently announced its second Galaxy Unpacked event for the year, the first coming in January for the S24 line, and this second is expected to announce a host of new gadgets and devices, most likely highlighted by the next iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip.
Considering Google is expected to announce its second generation Fold phone at its launch event, the thinking behind putting its event so close to that of Samsung’s is likely to try to negate the hype that comes from their opponents’ fans whenever they release a new product range.
But it most definitely is also intending to get ahead of the iPhone hype, as Apple are expected to bring some very big new upgrades to the next line of the world's most popular phone.
With Apple set to follow Google and Samsung’s lead by implementing AI into their phones plus a lot of other new features, the upcoming iPhone 16 line could take a very big leap forward.
Google will no doubt be hoping that what they can bring to the table will be enough to excite their loyal fanbase enough to fend off their Swifties-esque Apple fans, doing so by putting their event first so as to potentially not be in Apple’s shadow.
What to expect from Pixel Launch event
The Pixel Launch event brings with it the latest line of Pixel phones plus lots more, and that is expected to be the same this year.
Google only recently had an event for the newly released Pixel 8a in May. This was on par for the company as they usually only bring out two phones from the latest line in October then the budget-friendly option a few months later.
But instead of following the lead from 2023’s May event, where they announced the 7a and the first edition of the Pixel Fold, Google withheld the expected next line of Fold phones.
Many are now thinking that it will be part of the big launch event coming in August, along with the rumoured 9 Pro XL, which is expected to be the new flagship in their line.
Aside from mobiles that may be announced, a new Pixel Watch 3 may feature, along with the Pixel Tablet 2 and quite possibly a new pair of Pixel Buds.
Nothing is for certain yet other than the date of 13th August, but we’ll be keeping up with news and rumours that are sure to trickle through between now and then so be sure to come back here often.
And also don’t forget to return on 10th July, when we’ll bring information on everything that was announced at Galaxy Unpacked.
