Google’s latest flagship phones are the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, but a leaked roadmap gives us a glimpse of the tech giant’s Pixel plans for the next few years — all the way to 2025. We’ll seemingly see foldable phones, spec upgrades, and more.
This interesting look at the future comes from Android authority (opens in a new tab), but keep in mind that this is by no means official, and even if this report is currently accurate, Google could change its plans. Even the sources themselves say the roadmap is not set in stone.
With these caveats in place, we can dig in. Around the time of Google IO 2023 in April or May, we apparently get the Google Pixel Fold (which costs $1,799, about £1,495 or AU$2,675) and the Google Pixel 7a (apparently priced to match this year’s Google Pixel 6a, $449/£399/AU$749).
by 2025
Moving forward, we will launch the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro later in 2023. The roadmap suggests that the Pixel 8 will be smaller than its immediate predecessor, though the Pro model is said to match the Google Pixel 7 Pro in size and display size. Both phones will reportedly be powered by the Tensor G3.
2024 will apparently bring three Pixel 9 models running Tensor G4, as well as two Pro versions: an existing 6.7-inch size and a new 6.3-inch size (closer to Apple’s iPhone range). However, Google’s Pixel 8a launch is dependent on Pixel 7a sales — Google could switch to a two-year cycle for mid-range phones.
That brings us to 2025, where the plans are more flexible — a lot will depend on how well phones sell in 2023 and 2024. Google may launch a clamshell foldable phone to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, it may expand the Pixel 10 series to four phones, and it may launch the Google Pixel Fold 2, the report said.
Analysis: Following Apple and Samsung
As Android Authority also noted in reporting its scoop, Google apparently wants to emulate Apple and Samsung — the two phone makers that dominate sales in the US. By 2025, Google could have two foldable phones (like Samsung) and four flagship phones (like Apple).
Changing the Pixel A-series phones to release every other year also matches Apple’s — which is what’s happening with the iPhone SE. When power and performance aren’t that important, and upgrades aren’t that urgent, changing the cycle could help Google stick to a fixed price point on these phones.
What remains to be seen is whether investing more in the Pixel will lead to more hardware sales for Google. It’s been working hard to build out its device ecosystem — we launched the Pixel Watch this year, and next year we’ll have the Pixel Tablet, giving consumers even more hardware that works seamlessly together.
Meanwhile, the main selling points of Pixel phones have remained the same for years: great photos and videos, and a clean and constantly updated version of Android. However, at least in the US, Google still needs to do something to change people’s reliance on iMessage in order to attract a large number of users to switch.
