When Will the Google Pixel 9 Be Released?
Don’t expect the Pixel 9 range to launch anytime soon, as the Pixel 8 range only made its debut in October 2023. However, based on past Pixel launches, we are almost certain it will arrive in 2024. All Pixel devices — aside from the Pixel 5, which was unveiled in late September — have launched in October, leading us to believe the Pixel 9 series will debut in or around October 2024.
Google Pixel 9 Rumours
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that not much is currently known about the Google Pixel 9 range, given that there are approximately ten months until its unveiling. While some upgrades — like a new chipset — are virtually guaranteed, others — such as a rumored enhancement to the Pixel’s virtual assistant — are still up in the air. Let’s explore all the most recent leaks and rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 9 lineup.
A New Chipset
The Pixel 9’s chipset will likely be one of its most noticeable improvements. Almost every year, this capability is upgraded — not just for the Pixel line, but across nearly all flagship phones.
Since the current Tensor G3 debuted with the Pixel 8, it appears likely that the Tensor G4 will be unveiled alongside the Pixel 9. That’s not to say the Tensor G3 is being retired — it will probably still feature in the high-end Pixel Fold 2 and the more affordable Pixel 8a at some point in 2024. But the Pixel 9 will have other priorities.
This also aligns well with rumors of a GenAI-powered Google Assistant replacement. While GenAI functionality is already built into rival Dimensity and Snapdragon chipsets, it has yet to appear in Google’s own silicon. If the rumors are accurate, on-device GenAI may well be the Tensor G4’s headline feature.
A Bigger Phone with a Smaller Screen
According to leaked information, the regular Pixel 9 will feature a 6.1-inch screen — marginally smaller than the Pixel 8’s 6.2 inches.
Interestingly, despite the smaller display, the phone is reportedly significantly larger (though marginally thinner) overall than the Pixel 8. Its dimensions are said to be 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm (or 12mm with the camera bump), compared to the Pixel 8’s 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm.
Given how early these leaks are, it’s worth approaching this information with some caution. That said, the source is considered credible. More leaks are expected before the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro ship in October, which should give us a clearer picture of what to expect.
Google Pixel 9 Camera
Based on the lens’s square shape seen in leaks, it is most likely a periscope design, which would provide a longer zoom range than traditional telephoto cameras. Since the Pixel 8 Pro already features a 5x periscope lens, a similar setup on the Pixel 9 is plausible — though that remains speculative for now.
The third lens will likely be ultra-wide, consistent with the Pixel 8’s camera setup, though Google may opt for a macro lens or another alternative. One lens will certainly be a conventional wide-angle. The source admits uncertainty about the remaining configurations.
In any case, the addition of a third rear camera for telephoto photography — on top of the wide and ultra-wide lenses found on the Pixel 8 — could make the Pixel 9 a noticeably more capable camera phone. Photography is already one of the Pixel line’s strongest attributes, and this would be a welcome upgrade for those who don’t want to stretch their budget to the Pixel 9 Pro.
The Pixel 9 or 9 Pro is shaping up to be one of the best camera phones, and we’d love to see Google push the zoom distance to 10x.
A New, Exclusive Virtual Assistant
Another widely circulated rumor is that the Google Pixel 9 series will replace the standard Google Assistant with a more powerful, AI-driven alternative.
The new virtual assistant, codenamed “Pixie,” is rumored to be powered by Google’s Gemini AI model — a competitor to ChatGPT-4 that reportedly delivers state-of-the-art results on 30 of 32 widely used academic benchmarks in large language model (LLM) research.
This follows Google’s broader push to compete with OpenAI’s widely used AI products. According to reports, the Pixel 9 will be the first device to feature this advanced assistant, though Google eventually plans to bring the same capabilities to lower-end phones and devices like its smartwatch — though no timeline has been given.
It remains unclear exactly how Pixie will differ from the standard Google Assistant. However, it’s reasonable to expect on-device processing, which would address privacy concerns and remove the need for a constant internet connection — two significant advantages over most current GenAI implementations. A far more personalized assistant experience is also anticipated.
What Is the Price of the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro?
Based on current rumors, the standard Pixel 9 may be priced at £699 / $699, while the Pixel 9 Pro could come in at £999 / $999 — though these figures are still unconfirmed.
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