Key Takeaways
- Google's Made by Google event is scheduled for August 12 in New York City
- Pixel 11 rumors include a gold color variant, slimmer bezels, and a lighter Pro Fold
- Base storage may jump to 256GB, which could mean higher starting prices
Google confirmed Tuesday that its annual Made by Google hardware event will take place August 12 in New York City. The company is expected to unveil the Pixel 11 lineup alongside updates to its wearables and accessories.
Email invites shared by The Verge and Bloomberg point to design refreshes across the Pixel 11 family. The base model may arrive with slimmer bezels and a black camera bar, while the Pixel 11 Pro is rumored to be thinner than last year's version. A new gold color option for the standard Pixel 11 also appears in the leaks.
What do the Pixel 11 leaks suggest?
Reports circulating ahead of the event outline several changes. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google's foldable, might sport a redesigned camera bump and shed weight compared to its predecessor. That would address one of the main criticisms of the current Fold: it's heavier than Samsung's equivalent.
One rumor stands out for its potential impact on pricing. Google may drop the 128GB storage tier entirely, starting the lineup at 256GB. If true, buyers should expect the base price to climb. Last year's Pixel 10 started at $799 for 128GB; a 256GB minimum could push that number higher.
Will Google skip the celebrity showcase this year?
Last year's event drew mixed reactions. Google brought out Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Curry, and the Jonas Brothers to introduce the Pixel 10 series. Tech journalists and enthusiasts found the celebrity segments awkward and disconnected from the hardware itself. The company has not indicated whether it plans a repeat performance, but the sparse invite offers hope for a more product-focused presentation.
What else launched at last year's Made by Google?
The August 20, 2025 event introduced more than phones. Google announced the Pixel Watch 4, AI-powered software features baked into the Pixel experience, and the second-generation A-Series earbuds aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Expect a similar mix this year. Wearable updates and accessory refreshes typically accompany the main smartphone reveal.
The timing, roughly five weeks before Apple's usual September iPhone event, gives Google a window to capture attention. Pixel has grown to become the fourth-largest smartphone brand in the United States, trailing Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. Strong year-over-year shipment growth, particularly since the Pixel 7 era, has given Google's hardware division momentum it hadn't enjoyed in earlier generations.
Why does the storage change matter?
Dropping 128GB forces price-sensitive buyers into a higher tier. Google Photos offers free storage for Pixel owners, but local storage still matters for apps, offline media, and large games. A 256GB floor aligns with Apple's iPhone Pro models, but the standard iPhone still starts at 128GB. If Google raises the entry price, it risks losing the value-conscious segment that helped Pixel gain share.
Logicity's Take
Google's storage decision is the detail to watch. Raising the floor to 256GB signals confidence that Pixel buyers will absorb a higher price, but it also narrows the gap with Samsung's Galaxy S series, which still offers 128GB options. For enterprise buyers evaluating fleet devices, the cost-per-handset increase adds up. Pixel's appeal has partly been its clean Android experience at a lower premium price point than Samsung flagships. Eliminating the budget tier undercuts that positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Google Pixel 11 event?
August 12, 2026, in New York City.
What colors will the Pixel 11 come in?
Leaks suggest a new gold color variant for the base Pixel 11. Other colors have not been confirmed.
Will the Pixel 11 have 128GB storage?
Rumors indicate Google may skip the 128GB option and start at 256GB, which could raise the starting price.
Is there a new Pixel Fold coming?
Leaks point to a Pixel 11 Pro Fold with a redesigned camera bump and lighter profile.
How does the Pixel 11 event timing compare to Apple?
Google's August 12 event lands about five weeks before Apple's typical September iPhone announcement.
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Source: TechCrunch / Lauren Forristal
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
