Google Pixel 9 Pro and Fold: Upcoming Releases, Features, and Expectations

Google Pixel 9 Pro: latest news, rumors and everything we know so far

Google looks set to unveil the Google 9 Pixel Pro on August 13, with this successor to the Google Pixel 8 Pro expected to stand alongside the Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9 XL and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the company's 2024 lineup. It's been 10 months since the Pixel 8 series hit shelves, so we're quietly confident that we know what to expect from the next generation of Google's best Pixel phones. Indeed, we've now heard several consistent rumors about the Pixel 9 Pro, and in this guide, we've pulled together the leaks with the most credence. Below, you'll find everything we've heard about the Pixel 9 Pro so far, including details about its potential price, design, display, cameras, chipset and battery. Google has now confirmed that the Pixel 9 series (and therefore the Pixel 9 Pro) will be announced at its upcoming Made by Google event on Tuesday, August 13. The phone will likely begin shipping towards the end of August. Interestingly, Google usually hosts its Pixel launch events in October, so this year's August event marks a change in strategy for the company. Perhaps it wants to steal a march on Apple's rumored iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. As for the Pixel 9 Pro's price, it's safe to expect an equal or higher price than the $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 starting price of the Pixel 8 Pro. Here's how much that phone launched for in the US, UK and Australia: One Pixel 9 price leak suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro could come with a full year of free access to Gemini Advanced, which could soften the blow of those four-figure prices. Google itself has already teased the rear design of the Pixel 9 Pro, confirming that the phone's camera array will now sit on a rounded, isolated island, rather than being integrated into the rear panel, as on the Pixel 8 Pro. Additionally, where the sides of the Pixel 8 Pro are curved, the Pixel 9 Pro will have polished sides that sit flush against a flat rear panel. The phone's corners will still be curved, mind, and the rear panel looks like it'll remain matte rather than glossy. As for the Pixel 9 Pro's size, leakers are divided. An unnamed Android Authority source claims the phone will be around the same size as the Pixel 8 Pro (at 6.7 inches), but reputable leaker Ross Young says the Pixel 9 Pro will have a bigger screen than its predecessor. To make matters more confusing, an even more recent leak (this time from reliable leaker OnLeaks and MySmartPrice) suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro could have a 6.5-inch screen, making it smaller than the current model. Interestingly, we're expecting to see Google announce a Pixel 9 Pro XL model this year, which will presumably be the largest of the three Pixel 9 phones. Leaked hands-on photos of all three rumored Pixel 9 models (below) suggest the Pixel 9 has a 6.24-inch screen, the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.34-inch display and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.73-inch screen, so these could well be the most accurate measurements. The rumored Pixel 9 Pro colors include Hazel, Obsidian, Porcelain and Rose, while a more recent Pixel 9 colors leak mentions Pink, which is presumably the same color as Rose. For reference, the Pixel 8 Pro shipped in Porcelain, Obsidian and Bay Blue. As for the Pixel 9 Pro's display, its screen size will of course depend on the size of the phone itself, though leakers seem to agree that Google's Super Actua panel, which brings a 120Hz refresh rate, will return unchanged. The phone's peak brightness may be slightly increased over the Pixel 8 Pro's 2,400-nit peak. As per Google's official teaser for the Pixel 9 Pro, the phone will stick with a three-lens rear setup, likely comprising a wide camera, an ultra-wide camera and a periscope telephoto camera, as on the Pixel 8 Pro. We haven't heard many specifics about the megapixel count of these cameras, though the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 48MP periscope telephoto camera (with 5x optical zoom), so expect the same or better. Similarly, the Pixel 9 Pro will probably get the same 10.5MP selfie camera as its predecessor. Google is, however, reportedly ditching the Pixel 8 series' Sony IMX386 ultra-wide lens in place of a 50MP Sony IMX858 lens on all three Pixel 9 devices, so it's safe to expect better low-light performance from the Pixel 9 Pro. Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will also reportedly house this IMX858 lens on their respective telephoto and selfie cameras. Another Pixel 9 Pro camera rumor suggests that the phone might support 8K video recording, though a more recent leak suggests that footage will instead be upscaled to 8K using Video Boost. The Pixel 9 Pro will almost certainly use Google's Tensor G4 chipset, since the previous three Pro models used the first three generations of Tensor, respectively. The Tensor G4 is tipped to offer improved performance, power efficiency and heat management over the Tensor G3, however we've also heard that the Tensor G4 will be a "smaller upgrade than initially planned". We've since heard this from a second source, so the Pixel 9 Pro may not be dramatically faster than the Pixel 8 Pro. We do, however, expect the Pixel 9 Pro to boast 16GB of RAM, which would mark an upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro's 12GB. This improved RAM capacity should enable plenty of software-based upgrades, and indeed we've heard that the phone might boast a new AI assistant called Pixie, which is described as more personalized and powerful than the current Google Assistant. Also on the AI front, there's evidence that Google is working on an AI-powered sticker creator, possibly called Creative Assistant, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro could get one of Apple Intelligence's coolest features before any iPhone, namely the ability to record, transcribe and summarize phone calls. As for the Pixel 9 Pro's battery, a Taiwanese regulatory agency has stated that the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have 4,558mAh batteries, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 4,942mAh cell. These are likely minimum rather than rated capacities, so we doubt that 4,558mAh will be the official battery capacity of the Pixel 9 Pro. In any case, for reference, the Pixel 8 Pro has a 4,950mAh rated battery capacity and a 5,050mAh typical one. The same source also suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro will charge at 30W, just like the Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL might charge at 35W or more. Mind you, another leak has hinted that all three phones could charge marginally faster than their predecessors. So, the jury is out on the Pixel 9 Pro battery front.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold won't see a price increase, but you'll be waiting a bit longer for it -- here's why

There are only a few days left before August's Made by Google event, which will see the reveal of the Google Pixel 9 series. Unfortunately, recent leaks have suggested we'll see a delayed release date for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Meanwhile, another has seemingly confirmed what U.S. pricing will be. The first leak comes to us courtesy of Android Headlines and deals with the release dates for Google's next generation of smartphones. According to the report the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available for purchase on August 22, with pre-orders likely shipping a couple of days beforehand. However, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Google Buds Pro 2 won't ship until September. The report states the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available for sale from September 4. This would mean that anyone looking to grab what could be one of the best foldable phones of 2024 will have to wait awhile. At least the second recent leak has indicated that the pricing might make up for it. While we might know when the phone will be released, a more prudent question is how much it will cost. Tipster OnLeaks, in partnership with 91mobiles, has revealed the potential answer in an exclusive report. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will launch in two variants, a 256GB model costing $1,799 while the 512GB model will cost $1,919. If accurate, this means Google hasn't increased price over the original Google Pixel Fold. Unlike Samsung. That price might seem steep, but The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could deliver thanks to the improved RAM and the Google Tensor G4 chip. While the Tensor series has never been a powerhouse, the new architecture rumored to be based on the Exynos chip could give the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a significant boost in computing power and additional AI features not found on last year's G3-powered Pixel 8 series. Add to this the recent leaks that indicate that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be even slimmer than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. There are always plenty of unknowns when a large company announces a surprise event, especially regarding when you will get the devices, and how much they will cost. Make sure you remain up to date by keeping an eye on our hub for the Made by Google 2024 event which we update with news and rumors as we hear them.

What to expect at Made by Google 2024

Google's next big hardware event is fast approaching, with Made by Google 2024 scheduled to kick off on Aug. 13. It's an earlier date than usual for this annual event, which usually takes place in October. This doesn't automatically mean there's some exciting news that the tech giant just couldn't wait to share. Google may just be trying to get its new Pixel phones out ahead of Apple's expected iPhone 16 launch in September. But whatever the reason, it looks like we'll get our hands on Google's next devices sooner than initially anticipated. Here's what to expect from Made by Google 2024. Made by Google is an annual event unveiling Google's latest gadgets, with the primary focus typically going to the next generation of Pixel phones. They aren't the only devices on the agenda though, with past Made by Google events also featuring Google's Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds. This year the in-person event will take place at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, though it has previously been held in New York and Brooklyn. Google has already dropped multiple hints regarding what we can expect at its August event, teasing its upcoming devices across social media. August's Made by Google event is set to unveil the next generation of Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. As is tradition, a lot about these phones has already been leaked, and rumours about the lineup abound. Google appears to be changing up its hardware design with the Pixel 9, eschewing the Pixel 8 series' rounded edges in favour of a flatter feel. The Pixel 8's rectangular back camera strip also seems to be out, replaced with a rounder, pill-shaped design. The Pixel 9 series will of course get a spec boost to go with its new look, with reports of higher megapixel cameras and faster Tensor G4 chips across all models. The Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly have a 4GB RAM increase from the Pixel 8 Pro as well, offering 16GB of RAM to more smoothly run Google's AI chatbot Gemini. It's likely there will be considerable focus on the Pixel 9 series' AI and Gemini functionality. Even Google's official Pixel 9 Pro and Pro 9 Fold teaser videos focused more on Gemini than the phones themselves, like a parent who makes their child's birthday party all about said kid's younger sibling. While Made by Google is first and foremost a hardware event, AI is currently the undisputed darling of the tech industry, so it isn't surprising that it would get a look in. We know for certain that the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are coming. If rumours are to be believed, they could very well be joined by a Pixel 9 Pro XL. The last XL variation in Google's Pixel series was the Pixel 4 XL back in 2019, which offered increased screen size and battery life over the Pixel 4. As such, it wouldn't be surprising if the rumoured Pixel 9 Pro XL offered a similar bump over the Pixel 9 Pro. Even so, early leaks suggest the Pixel 9 Pro XL is even smaller than the Pixel 8, sporting a 6.5-inch screen compared to the latter's 6.7 inches. If true, this could mean the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller still. We'll just have to wait until Aug. 13 to find out for sure. Google launched its first foldable smartphone at last year's Google I/O event, introducing the world to the Google Pixel Fold. This year the tech giant will follow it up with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This is another announcement that we know for certain is happening, with Google having already posted a teaser video saying as much. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears slimmer than Google's first generation foldable, with a squarer back camera module replacing its predecessor's rectangular strip. As usual, we can likely expect upgraded specs as well. Though Google's Pixel 9 phones are undoubtedly the diamonds of this Google season, they likely won't be attending this party alone. Leaks suggest that Made by Google will launch the Google Pixel Watch 3, available in both 41- and 45-millimetre sizes. In comparison, last year's Pixel Watch 2 only comes in a 41-millimetre size. Some older reports suggest that the Pixel Watch 3's 45-millimetre variant will actually be called the Pixel Watch 3 XL, though the name's absence in newer leaks have cast some doubt on exactly how Google will title these devices. The Pixel Watch 3 will reportedly have thinner bezels allowing for a larger screen, while said screen will also be twice as bright as the previous model. Google's latest watch may also introduce a new battery saver mode, stretching the Pixel Watch 3's charge to last 36 hours. The device's standard battery life with its always-on display is apparently still 24 hours, the same as the Pixel Watch 2. Google may also bring out the next generation of its wireless earbuds this August. While details about the rumoured Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 remain scant, leaks suggest that the earbuds will come in at least four different colours: pink, pale green, ivory, and grey (though they'll likely get more fanciful names). The Pixel Buds Pro 2 case will reportedly be slightly bulkier than the Pro, while the Buds themselves seem to have larger grills. Google also appears to have brought back the Pixel Buds' stabiliser arcs, which are intended to help keep the earphones in your ear. New smartphones, new earphones, and a new watch would be a lot, but Google may not be stopping there. Made by Google may also introduce a follow up to 2020's Chromecast with Google TV called the Google TV Streamer. Leaks suggest that the Google TV Streamer has abandoned its predecessor's dongle form factor, opting for hardware designed to sit on a table or entertainment unit. The wide, pill-shaped device's slanted surface makes it look similar to a magnetic phone charger. The Google TV Streamer may have HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports, while its remote will have a customisable shortcut button as well as ones for YouTube and Netflix. Made by Google may be a hardware event, but hardware is nothing without software. Many have been expecting Google to launch Android 15 this August, bringing with it new features such as Theft Detection, a locked space to hide apps, and the ability to add photos to your Google Wallet. However, recent reports claim that the Pixel 9 series will be launched on Android 14 rather than 15, casting doubt on whether Google's OS system is ready to debut. Android 15 is currently in its fourth and final scheduled beta, with the next update expected to be its official release. Though even if Android 15 doesn't show up on Aug. 13, it's likely it will appear within the next few months. Made by Google will kick off on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. EST. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to California, the event will be livestreamed on the Made by Google YouTube channel.