Google saw the Pixel brand succeed like never before in 2024, setting the stage for a big year in 2025. Here’s what to expect from Google Pixel as 2025 nears.
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Google’s upcoming Pixel releases
First in line will be Google’s annual budget release, the Pixel 9a which is reportedly coming in March 2025. The device is said to stick with the same price point and make some minor spec changes, but ultimately be pretty similar. The biggest change is to the design, which seems to ditch the recognizable camera bar that Google has used on its past few generations of Pixel.
Another leak revealed four new Pixel 10 series devices coming later on in the year. These would include Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. There were rumors a while back that a Flip-style foldable Pixel could be coming in 2025, but evidence on that has been slim in the time since.
Something that’s likely not coming in 2025 is a new Pixel Tablet, as Google’s plans for the next sequel have reportedly been shelved (though future tablets may still be coming).
Beyond that, it’s also very likely we’ll get a Pixel Watch 4 sometime in the new year, and there’s always a chance of new earbuds too. The Pixel Buds A-Series are certainly due for a refresh, assuming Google wants to keep that budget option available, but there’s no word on that just yet. There are also those elusive Pixel Tablet accessories, the stylus and keyboard, that keep surfacing, but haven’t been released.
Android 16’s early release (for all)
Google has already confirmed that Android 16 will be released considerably earlier than prior releases. The company mentioned that this will “better align with the schedule of device launches,” strongly hinting that Pixel 10 will probably stick with its August release window as was established by 2024’s Pixel 9 series.
By the end of 2025, there will be another “minor SDK” release for Android 16.
Currently, Android 16 is gearing up for its beta release, which will start in January ahead of final builds coming sometime after April 2025.
This update is also noteworthy because it applies everywhere, as Google is bringing this release to every Tensor-powered Pixel phone, including the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro which recently got an extended timeline for updates.
Google Tensor’s next big step
One of the most important things coming in 2025 for Google Pixel is a big step forward for Tensor chips. As has been reported, Google is shifting from a partnership with Samsung which provided a foundation in Exynos for Tesnor chipsets to a fully custom design that Google will produce through TSMC.
In theory, this should boost battery life through better efficiency, as well as providing Google an opportunity to focus even closer on its priorities for what a Pixel chipset should do.
We already know quite a bit about “Tensor G5.”
Leaks have revealed that the chip will be based on a 3nm process at TSMC and would have a 1+5+2 CPU core configuration. Google’s switch to TSMC is said to bring considerable efficiency improvements, something Google is internally focusing on as the company admitted overheating is the top reason for Pixel returns in leaked documents. Tensor G5 is also said to use a modem from MediaTek and support 4K60 video with HDR.
Project Astra and more Gemini
AI continues to be a key focus for Google in the Pixel lineup, and 2025 will see Google expanding this further. There are surely a lot of Gemini features coming, but one of the most important is Project Astra, which Google says will be coming in 2025.
Project Astra was first shown off at Google I/O 2024, and is a key focus of Google’s Android XR initiative.
What are you looking forward to?
What else might be coming in 2025? Looking at the software side of things, there’s plenty of room for Google to introduce new features especially in the vein of Gemini. In terms of hardware, there’s always a chance Pixel Tablet plans could change, or that Google truly does have a flip phone hiding in the wings. But, as it stands today, there’s not a ton of firm evidence.
What Pixel releases are you looking forward to in 2025?
This Week’s Top Stories
Samsung’s 2025 plans leak
We’re just a few weeks out from Samsung’s first big launch of 2025 in the Galaxy S25 series, and leaks just keep coming. Most recently, skin maker dbrand published the best look we’ve had at the trio to date. Meanwhile, reports out of Korea claim that Samsung is slashing its plans for 2025 foldables.
Android Auto redesigns music player
In the latest updates, Google is rolling out a revamped music player for Android Auto apps, adding some more color from Material You-style theming, as well as some cosmetic tweaks.
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