Google’s latest flagship phones, the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro are now available. However, a leaked roadmap provides a glimpse into the tech giant’s plans for the future – well beyond 2025. It appears that we will see foldable phones and spec upgrades.
Android Authority provides a fascinating glimpse into the future. However, this report is not official and it is possible that Google may change its plans. The source says that the roadmap is not set in stone.
We can now dive in, with these caveats removed. We’ll be getting the Google Pixel Fold around Google IO 2023 in April or May (which is about PS1,495 or AU$2,675), and the Google Pixel 7a (apparently priced at $449 / PlayStation399 / AU$749).
Until 2025
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be available in 2023. The roadmap indicates that the Pixel 8 will be smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but the Pro model is expected match the dimensions and display size of the Google Pixel 7 Pro. The Tensor G3 will power both phones.
The 2024 Pixel 9 model will include three models with the Tensor G4 and two Pro editions. These are the 6.7-inch and the 6.3-inch sizes, respectively. This is to better match Apple’s iPhone range. The launch of the Google Pixel 8a is contingent on the sales of Pixel 7a. Google may shift to a 2-year cycle for the mid-range smartphone.
This brings us to 2025. Here, the planning is more fluid. A lot depends on the sales of the 2023 or 2024 phones. Google could launch a clamshell foldable phone to compete with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. According to the report, it could increase the Pixel 10 line to four phones and launch a Google Pixel Fold 2.
Analysis: According to Apple and Samsung
The Android Authority reported its scoop and pointed out that Google clearly wants to follow in the footsteps of Samsung and Apple, the two top phone manufacturers in America. Google could soon have four flagship phones models and two foldables, just like Samsung by 2025.
Apple would be happy to move the Pixel A-series phones for a biennial launch. This is exactly what happened with iPhone SE. Upgrades are not as critical if power and performance are less important. Google could change the cycle to help them maintain a fixed price for these phones.
It remains to see if the Pixel expansion will lead to more hardware sales. It has been hard at work to expand its ecosystem of devices. We launched the Pixel Watch in this year and will be launching the Pixel Tablet next year. This gives consumers more hardware that seamlessly works together.
The main selling points for Pixel phones have remained constant over the years: great photos and videos and an updated, clean version of Android. Google has not yet done anything in the US to address people’s addictions to iMessage, so it is difficult to convince a large number of users to move.
