Google Pixel 11 series launch on August 12: Expected price hike, specs, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and everything we know

Google is set to unveil the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google 2026 event on August 12 in New York City. Ahead of the launch, the company has confirmed that its next-generation smartphones will be more expensive than their predecessors, citing a global memory supply crisis that has sharply increased the cost of smartphone components.

Meanwhile, multiple leaks have revealed key specifications, battery sizes, and other expected features of the upcoming devices. Here's everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 11 lineup and what to expect from the launch event.

Google Pixel 11 launch: Made by Google 2026 event

Google has confirmed that the Made by Google 2026 event will be held in New York City on August 12. The keynote is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET, which translates to 3:30 a.m. IST on August 13.


Promotional images released by Google show a redesigned smartphone with a gold metal frame. The images also suggest the temperature sensor seen on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 camera bar may have been removed. Rumours further indicate that Google could introduce a new physical notification indicator, reportedly called "Pixel Glow."

Google Pixel 11 series: Expected specifications and features

Leaked Amazon listings, first reported by 9to5Google, suggest the standard Pixel 11 will feature 12GB RAM, 256GB base storage, and a 4,985mAh battery. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to include a larger 5,115mAh battery, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could pack a 4,750mAh battery.

Although the leaked retail listings mention Android 16 and physical SIM support, industry reports suggest the Pixel 11 lineup will launch with Android 17 and adopt an eSIM-focused design.

Google confirms Pixel 11 price hike

Meanwhile, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 series will launch with higher prices due to rising component costs. Speaking to 9to5Google, Shakil Barkat, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, said the company can no longer absorb the steep increase in supplier costs caused by the ongoing global memory shortage.

According to data cited from Morgan Stanley, the cost of 1GB of RAM has increased from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 in 2026, representing more than a sixfold jump.

"There's never been an increase in memory prices like the world's going through right now. We've shielded our consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible... [but] the economics have fundamentally shifted and we're not immune to that," Barkat said.

The company said the pricing changes will extend across its Pixel hardware portfolio, including existing devices such as the Pixel 10a. While official pricing will be announced during the launch event, industry reports suggest the Pixel 11 lineup could see an increase of around $100 compared with the Pixel 10 series.

Google also said prices may be adjusted dynamically depending on market conditions and supply chain costs.

To offset the higher prices, the company plans to offer attractive trade-in deals, bundled Google One subscriptions, and software optimisations designed to improve the overall user experience.

More devices expected at the Made by Google event

Google is also expected to expand its hardware ecosystem during the August 12 event. Reports suggest the company could unveil the Pixel Watch 5, which is expected to return in two case sizes. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also widely expected to debut alongside the Pixel 11 smartphones, further strengthening Google's connected device ecosystem.

The Made by Google 2026 event is expected to bring the biggest Pixel refresh of the year. Alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google is likely to introduce new wearable devices while explaining the reasons behind its first major Pixel price increase in recent years. With Android 17, updated hardware, and a refreshed design expected, the August 12 event will offer a clearer picture of Google's strategy for its premium smartphone lineup.