Google is scheduled to host its Made by Google hardware launch event on August 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET in New York. The company is expected to unveil the Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, and new wearables amid anticipated price hikes and design updates.
The annual Made by Google hardware showcase is shifting its traditional schedule as the company prepares to unveil its next-generation devices. While past technology keynotes typically target morning hours on the West Coast, Google has scheduled the 2026 presentation for 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET on Wednesday, August 12, in New York, according to Lifehacker and Androidcentral. The in-person event will feature a celebrity host in Trevor Noah, alongside a livestream broadcast on the official Made by Google YouTube channel.
Adding an unusual twist to the rollout, sharp-eyed observers noted that the Google Store homepage featured a Pixel 11 preorder countdown concluding at 10:00 AM ET on the day of the event—several hours before the formal keynote begins. That timing suggests official device specifications and availability details could surface publicly before the presentation even starts.
Pixel 11 Series Design, Specs, and the 2nm Tensor G6 Chip
The upcoming smartphone lineup will retain a familiar aesthetic while bringing significant changes under the hood. Google is expected to maintain its four-model structure consisting of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Leaks indicate the devices will feature rounded corners, flat sides, and a full-width black camera bar.
A notable visual addition is an RGB lighting system embedded in the camera array. While Androidcentral refers to the feature as the Pixel Glow LED, Theverge reports that code inside Google’s contacts app points to the name HiLight
. According to translated interface strings, HiLight can be customized to indicate specific callers and will illuminate during interactions with Google’s Gemini AI.
Performance upgrades are anchored by the rumored Tensor G6 processor. Digitaltrends notes that the chip may use a 1+4+2 seven-core layout with a peak frequency of 4.11 GHz. Built on TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process, the new silicon aims to deliver substantial power efficiency and performance gains, potentially beating competitors to market with 2nm technology. Additionally, Google is reportedly moving to a MediaTek M90 modem for improved thermal management.
Pricing Adjustments and Baseline Storage Upgrades
Consumers should prepare for higher price tags across the hardware ecosystem. A Google VP previously confirmed to reporting outlets that the Pixel family will receive pricing adjustments driven by an ongoing memory crisis affecting the mobile industry. Current leaks suggest every model could cost roughly $100 more than its predecessor.
To offset the price increase, Google is reportedly doubling base storage across the board, removing the 128GB tier and establishing 256GB as the new entry-level minimum.
| Model | Expected Starting Price | Base Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | Various prices | 256GB |
| Pixel 11 Pro | Various prices | 256GB |
| Pixel 11 Pro XL | Various prices | 256GB |
| Pixel 11 Pro Fold | $1,899 to $1,999 | Standard configuration |
While the baseline storage expands, early listings for the Pixel 11 Pro suggest a reduction in RAM to 12GB, down from the 16GB found in the previous generation’s Pro models.
Pixel Watch 5 and Wearable Additions
The Pixel Watch 5 is set to join the smartphone lineup following an unusual public preview earlier this year when a scuba diver recovered a prototype on the ocean floor, as noted by Androidcentral and Theverge. Google later confirmed the August 12 launch window.
The smartwatch retains the curved circular display and 41mm and 45mm sizing options of its predecessor.
Beyond mainstream flagships and wearables, industry watchers anticipate potential announcements regarding new earbuds, an AirTag-like item tracker named the Google Pixel Tag, and the possible debut of Android XR smart glasses developed alongside Xreal.
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