Image: Google
While the Pixel was a late arrival on the smartphone scene after initial releases from Samsung and Motorola, Google’s smartphone has rapidly become one of the most popular Androids you can buy. Every fall, Google announces the newest flagship model of its Pixel series to scores of adoring fans. There’s typically a live keynote address announcing the device and a short preorder period before it’s officially released a few days later.
The Google Pixel 10 officially launched on August 28, 2025, following an eight-day preorder period that started after the device's announcement on August 20. Google’s next foldable phone—the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold—will be released later on October 9, 2025.
The Google Pixel 10 series includes the base-model Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, a foldable 10 Pro Fold. Google's newest budget model is still the Pixel 9a.
We’ve got the full rundown of the history of the Google Pixel and what to expect in the upcoming models.
When will the next Google Pixel come out?
The Google Pixel 10 was announced on August 20, 2025, and officially released around a week later on August 28.
After every Pixel announcement, there is a 7–10 day preorder period when customers can buy the phone from carriers, retailers, or Google itself. This preorder period offers some of the best offers you'll find on the new Pixel.
What is the current Pixel model?
The current Pixel lineup is mostly made up of devices in the Google Pixel 10 series. Its models include:
- Google Pixel 10
- Google Pixel 10 Pro
- Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 10 and most of the current lineup launched on August 28, 2025. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will come out slightly later on October 9, 2025, and the Pixel 9a release date was April 10, 2025.
Pixel phone release date timeline
The first Google Pixel was announced on October 4, 2016 and officially released a few days later on October 20. Since then, Google has developed a new version of its phone every year for almost a decade.
See the table below for the full Google Pixel release timeline:
List of Pixel release dates (newest to oldest)
| Pixel model | Year | Announcement date | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | 2025 | August 20 | October 9 |
| Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL | 2025 | August 20 | August 28 |
| Pixel 9a | 2025 | March 19 | April 19 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | 2024 | August 13 | September 4 |
| Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL | 2024 | August 13 | August 22 |
| Pixel 8a | 2024 | May 7 | May 14 |
| Pixel 8, 8 Pro | 2023 | October 4 | October 12 |
| Pixel Fold | 2023 | May 10 | June 20 |
| Pixel 7a | 2023 | May 10 | May 10 |
| Pixel 7, 7 Pro | 2022 | October 6 | October 13 |
| Pixel 6a | 2022 | May 11 | July 21 |
| Pixel 6, 6 Pro | 2021 | October 19 | October 28 |
| Pixel 5a | 2021 | August 17 | August 26 |
| Pixel 5 | 2020 | September 30 | October 15 |
| Pixel 4a (5G) | 2020 | August 3 | November 5 |
| Pixel 4a | 2020 | August 3 | August 20 |
| Pixel 4, 4 XL | 2019 | October 15 | October 23 |
| Pixel 3a, 3a XL | 2019 | May 7 | May 15 |
| Pixel 3, 3 XL | 2018 | October 9 | October 18 |
| Pixel 2, 2 XL | 2017 | October 4 | October 17 |
| Pixel, XL | 2016 | October 4 | October 20 |
When are new Google Pixels announced?
Like other smartphone companies, Google has specific times of the year when it likes to announce new products.
Google frequently targets a fall release for its flagship Pixel devices, around August or October. You can expect the company to avoid September releases because that month is usually used by Apple for the new iPhone.
Pixel A series release dates—these are Google’s budget devices—are typically during the spring in April or May, following the initial series release the previous year.
Google special events and product launches
Image: Google
Google has multiple events throughout the year to announce new product releases and software updates. These can include the Google I/O conference in the late spring and Made By Google hardware events in the fall.
These events are almost always streamed live, so you can watch the announcements on YouTube from the comfort of your home.
Typical features announced at a Made By Google event can include:
- New products
- New software features
- Device release dates
- Pricing
- Upcoming Android OS updates
Where to buy a new Google Pixel phone?
You have multiple options when it comes to buying a new Google Pixel. You can:
- Buy from a wireless carrier (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Buy directly from Google
- Buy from 3rd party retailers (e.g., Walmart, Best Buy)
Buying a Google Pixel directly from a wireless carrier is typically the best option for most customers. Benefits of purchasing from carriers include:
- Pixel device deals: Carriers often have special pricing on smartphones when purchasing a new phone with a corresponding data plan.
- Installment plans: If you can’t afford to pay for a device upfront, carriers will break down the cost of a phone into interest-free monthly installments from 24–36 months.
- Plan deals: Smaller carriers called MVNOs may require you to pay full price for a smartphone, but they may also include a free wireless plan with your purchase.
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 10a 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 10 Pro 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 10 Pro 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 10 Pro 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Which Pixel is right for you?
Apart from cosmetic details like the phone’s color, you should think about factors like pricing and what your needs actually are.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Flagship Pixels vs. A-series: Google Pixels come fully loaded or as budget devices with fewer features. Flagship Pixels like the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold have the newest features, like impressive camera specs and AI. The Pixel A-series—like the Pixel 9a—is made up of budget devices with fewer bells and whistles but much lower pricing.
- New vs. refurbished: New devices come with the highest pricing. Refurbished devices are used phones that have been cleaned and tested for functionality. You can find them from third-party retailers and select carriers for much lower prices than new phones.
- Newest series vs. last year’s series: Each time a new Google Pixel generation is released, the previous year’s models get a major discount from stores and carriers looking to clear out their stock. Previous model Pixels may not have the newest features, but they’re a great way to get an excellent phone at a lower cost.
Putting this into practice, if you need the best phone on the market, you’ll probably need to purchase something like a new Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, or Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Customers who don’t need the newest phone or want to save money should target devices like the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, or a used Pixel 10.
FAQs: Google Pixel release dates
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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