Google to Unveil Pixel 9 Phones Next Month Ahead of iPhone 16 Launch - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

WarmWinterHat Avatar
23 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)
23 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)
23 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
23 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
23 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)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
23 months ago

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.
The regular 8 is fine. My wife's 8 takes better photos on the regular than my 13 Pro.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)