Google basically confirms the Pixel 11 is getting a price hike
What's happening
Google's VP of Devices and Services has essentially confirmed that the upcoming Pixel 11 smartphone will carry a higher price tag than its predecessor, the Pixel 10. The confirmation comes amid industry-wide supply constraints affecting RAM production.
Who's involved
Shakil Barkat, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, made the statement in an interview with 9to5 Google. Google manufactures the Pixel line of smartphones, which competes with Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy devices in the premium smartphone market.
Why it matters
A price increase could make Google's flagship phone less accessible to budget-conscious consumers and potentially impact market share in a competitive smartphone landscape. Higher device costs may also affect Google's ability to capture new users for its services ecosystem and advertising network. The move reflects broader industry pressures that could reshape consumer purchasing patterns across the entire premium phone segment.
More context
The smartphone industry is grappling with RAM supply shortages driven by explosive growth in AI data center infrastructure, which has diverted chip production capacity away from consumer devices. Google has been gradually positioning Pixel phones as premium devices with advanced AI features like Magic Eraser and real-time translation. Previous Pixel generations have offered competitive pricing relative to Samsung and Apple flagships, but narrowing margins and component costs are forcing manufacturers to reassess pricing strategies. This price hike signals that even Google, which has emphasized value pricing, cannot insulate consumers from the broader cost pressures reshaping the tech industry.