Google to Unveil Pixel 9 Phones Next Month Ahead of iPhone 16 Launch

Google will refresh its product lineup this year in the middle of August rather than its usual October timing, which means its latest flagship Pixel smartphones will debut ahead of Apple's annual iPhone upgrade cycle for the first time.

google pixel announcements

Google Pixel 8 series

Google last week began sending out media invitations to an August 13 hardware event that will "showcase the base of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices." Google typically holds its annual Made by Google event in early October to unveil its latest Pixel phones, smartwatches, and Nest-branded devices.

Rumors indicate Google will launch three devices in its forthcoming Pixel 9 lineup, with a new larger 6.2-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL device joining the regular Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. Leaks suggest the Pixel 9 Pro will have a triple rear camera setup. Google is also expected to launch Android 15 touting Gemini AI enhancements and other services.


Alongside new phones, Google is expected to release a Pixel Fold 2 tablet, a Pixel Watch 3 series, and new Pixel earbuds, all of which will compete with Apple devices. The decision to bring forward the hardware upgrades was likely made with one eye on Apple's hardware launches in September, when the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 9 are expected to be revealed alongside iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence.

Tag: Google

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Top Rated Comments

Unggoy Murderer Avatar
17 months ago
The Pixel line is the only one I'd consider after the iPhone. Times I've played with the devices they've always been fast and good hardware quality.

Samsung's just... icky in comparison. No idea why anyone would buy any Samsung over a Pixel.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
17 months ago

The Pixel line is the only one I'd consider after the iPhone. Times I've played with the devices they've always been fast and good hardware quality.

Samsung's just... icky in comparison. No idea why anyone would buy any Samsung over a Pixel.
My wife is a long-time Android user and she won't even consider a phone other than the Pixel. She upgraded to an 8 from a Pixel 2, and it's a fantastic phone.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
b-dogg Avatar
17 months ago

The Pixel line is the only one I'd consider after the iPhone. Times I've played with the devices they've always been fast and good hardware quality.

Samsung's just... icky in comparison. No idea why anyone would buy any Samsung over a Pixel.
Same. iPhone since 2007. The pixel 7a I got my partner makes me tempted to switch. The price and features are very hard to beat.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cjsuk Avatar
17 months ago

Same. iPhone since 2007. The pixel 7a I got my partner makes me tempted to switch. The price and features are very hard to beat.
I used a Pixel 7A when I was travelling for a bit last year for security reasons (less likely to get done over for it).

The thing was a complete liability. Crap camera, eSIM problems, some stuff stopped working after a couple of days offline, bt crapped out constantly, serious problems with battery life on and off. Email sync issues. Also no compass apps worked on the damn thing properly - calibration was completely off.

Never again will I go near one. Went straight back to my 13 Pro and bought a 15 Pro almost immediately when it came out. Been to less dangerous places this year with the 15 Pro and ZERO problems with it.

Here's a crop of a non-zoomed photo it took in daylight. Utter and total garbage.



Fortunately I had an actual camera with me!!

Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lpolarityl Avatar
17 months ago

I used a Pixel 7A when I was travelling for a bit last year for security reasons (less likely to get done over for it).

The thing was a complete liability. Crap camera, eSIM problems, some stuff stopped working after a couple of days offline, bt crapped out constantly, serious problems with battery life on and off. Email sync issues. Also no compass apps worked on the damn thing properly - calibration was completely off.

Never again will I go near one. Went straight back to my 13 Pro and bought a 15 Pro almost immediately when it came out. Been to less dangerous places this year with the 15 Pro and ZERO problems with it.

Here's a crop of a non-zoomed photo it took in daylight. Utter and total garbage.



Fortunately I had an actual camera with me!!
Just a friendly reminder, the Pixel 7A can be had for $350-$400. It's not supposed to compete with an iPhone 13/14/15/ Pro cameras, it never will. As for all the software issues, sounds like you got a lemon. If you had an 8 Pro or even a 7 Pro I'm sure that picture would have turned out just fine.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
17 months ago
I might try one of those this year. I am bored of iPhone (had most since iPhone 3G) and I will still have my 15 Plus for the Apple Ecosystem needs.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)