Google Pixel 11 Launch Event
Google Pixel 11 Launch Event: 7 Things to Expect
The big Made by Google event is today, and we know the launch is primarily for the Pixel 11 series of phones. Thanks to an overwhelming number of leaks, we can provide some key insights ahead of the curtain raise.
Of course, we’ll have to wait until 12 August to find out for sure, but none of the items here seems in doubt based on the authority and track record of the leakers.
1. Price Rises Are Coming
The bad news, though unsurprising for a phone launch in 2026, is that the Pixel 11 series is going to get more expensive. Google has effectively confirmed this ahead of time, also hinting that the Pixel 10a might get a post-launch hike.
Leaks suggest that devices will get at least $100 more expensive compared to last year’s Pixel 10 devices. These are the Pixel 11 starting prices (we assume the UK prices will match US dollars).
Pixel 11 – $899
Pixel 11 Pro – $1,099
Pixel 11 Pro XL – $1,299
Pixel 11 Pro Fold – $1,899
2. Key Upgrade Takes the Sting Off
While a price rise is never nice, there is some good news hidden here. Google is set to ditch 128GB as the base storage capacity (finally). So, you’re getting the next model up to normal.
This doesn’t apply to the Pixel 11 Pro XL though, which already got this treatment last year. The Pixel Fold models have always come with at least 256GB of storage since the very first model.
3. Colours Are a Key Differentiator
While more storage for the cheaper models is good news, the Pixel 11 series looks to be firmly in the ‘iterative update’ category. Apart from a new Tensor G6, brighter screens and tweaked cameras, it doesn’t look like there’s much to get excited about – especially if you have a Pixel 10 model.
This means that the new set of colourways is going to be one of the most interesting things about the Pixel 11 range. As usual, Google looks to be shaking things up with an almost entirely new set of hues.
There’s a bright pink option for the regular Pixel 11, the hero Dune colour with gold frame for the candybar Pro models and a new version of Obsidian (or ‘Midnight Haze’) which comes in matte black.
4. HiLight Feature Might Be Disappointing
A colourful new feature of the Pixel 11 phones is HiLight, previously known as Pixel Glow. It sits in the camera flash as officially teased by Google and with the lack of major hardware advancements, is a big part of the phone.
The problem is that for a long time it seemed exciting, but now leaks suggest it doesn’t really do much at all. Just show a different colour when a favourite contact calls you or lights up blue when interacting with Gemini (when you’re probably looking at the front of the phone anyway).
5. Pixel Watch 5 Will Be Deja Vu
In much the same way as Google’s new phones, the 2026 flagship smartwatch looks like it has ‘done a Pixel 10a’ – ie it appears to be nearly identical to its predecessor.
Leaked images and specs seem to confirm that there’s almost nothing new to get excited about here. Pixel Watch 4 owners certainly won’t feel the need to upgrade, unless you’re hell-bent on it matching a Pixel 11 colour if you’re getting one of those.
6. Pixel Tag May Offer Some Excitement
There will be something completely new at the launch event. Whether it’s exciting to you or not is another matter.
Bluetooth trackers aren’t particularly thrilling, but if you’re a Google ecosystem devotee then the Pixel Tag is certainly going to appeal.
7. New Pixel Bud Colourway
While I’d like to be rounding this article off saying that Google will launch its first smart ring at the event – which I think should be Fitbit branded rather than Pixel – it’s simply not going to happen.
What we will get is a new colour of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. They will be a dark green colour, possibly called Pine to match the Pixel 11 Pro models, though it looks closer to a new Pixel Watch 5 band which will reportedly be called Olive.
