Google announced an event to introduce the Pixel 11 in New York City on August 12th. The invitation says little, but includes a teaser image of the phone that appears to confirm a rumored all-black camera bar. The design will otherwise be familiar to Pixel 10 (and Pixel 9) fans, but there are more interesting details to look forward to.

What to expect at Google’s Pixel 11 event

Pixel Glow, faster chips, and higher prices

Code hidden in Android 17 betas referenced an unannounced “Pixel Glow” hardware feature that could be the centerpiece of the Pixel 11 line. It would appear on the back of a phone and rely on “subtle light and color” to notify you of important events. You’d know when a favorite contact is calling when your phone is face down, or know when Gemini is responding.

Effectively, Google would deliver an equivalent to the Glyph lights and displays on Nothing phones — that is, a modern take on notification LEDs that saves you from having to look at the screen every time there’s an update.

After that, the phone updates could be relatively conservative. Google is expected to once again have Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold models that closely resemble their outgoing equivalents.

We’re expecting a Tensor G6 chip that could be faster and more efficient, especially if it’s made using TSMC’s new 2-nanometer process. Google might also switch away from Samsung modems (sometimes criticized for unreliability) toward MediaTek.

You might see Google revive the 50-megapixel main camera after a momentary downgrade. The company is also set to finally increase the base storage from 128GB to 256GB, but that could come with a price increase. A recent report claims that each model in the family will increase by around €100 ($114)

What about the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds?

Google has historically used its hardware events to introduce new Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds models. We’re expecting at least a Pixel Watch 5, given that Gearbox Software co-founder Randy Pitchford’s friend reportedly found a prototype underwater. It should be similar to the Pixel Watch 4, but with a new processor and LTE cellular data, possibly included with all models.

Leaks haven’t surfaced for new earbuds, which haven’t been updated since the Pixel Buds 2a in August 2025 (the Buds Pro 2 were unveiled in 2024). We’re not counting on revised buds, but Google might feel pressured to compete with newer options like the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds Pro 4.