Google’s next big hardware event, Made by Google 2024, is just around the corner, scheduled to kick off on August 13. This annual event is usually held in October, but it will be earlier than usual.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the tech giant has any exciting news it can’t wait to announce — Google could just be trying to release a new Pixel phone ahead of Apple’s planned September launch of the iPhone 16 — but whatever the reason, it looks like Google’s next device could be available sooner than initially expected.
Google Pixel 9: Rumors so far
Here’s what to expect from Made by Google 2024.
What is Made by Google?
Made by Google is Google’s annual event to unveil its latest gadgets, and the main focus is usually on the next generation of Pixel phones. However, that’s not the only device planned: past Made by Google events have also shown off Google’s Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds.
This year, the in-person event will be held at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, after previously being held in New York and Brooklyn.
What can we expect from Made by Google 2024?
Google has already dropped multiple hints about what to expect at its August event, teasing upcoming devices via social media.
Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro
The tweet may have been deleted
The Google Made by Google event in August is expected to unveil the next generation of Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. As per usual, a lot of information has already been leaked about these phones, and rumors about the lineup are flying around.
Google appears to be changing the hardware design with the Pixel 9, ditching the rounded edges of the Pixel 8 series in favor of a flatter feel. Gone too is the rectangular rear camera strip of the Pixel 8, seemingly replaced with a rounded, pill-shaped design.
The Pixel 9 series will also have improved specs to go with the new look, with all models reportedly equipped with higher megapixel cameras and the faster Tensor G4 chip. The Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly offer 16GB of RAM, up 4GB from the Pixel 8 Pro, and will reportedly be able to run Google’s AI chatbot Gemini more smoothly.
There will be a lot of attention on the AI and Gemini features of the Pixel 9 series. Even Google’s official Pixel 9 Pro and Pro 9 Fold teasers are more focused on Gemini than the phones themselves, resembling a parent throwing a birthday party for their child with a focus on their younger siblings. While Made by Google is first and foremost a hardware event, AI is the undisputed hot tech in tech right now, so it’s no surprise it’ll feature.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
We’re sure to see the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, and if the rumors are true, there’s a good chance we’ll see a Pixel 9 Pro XL as well.
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The last XL variant of Google’s Pixel series was the Pixel 4 XL in 2019, which offered improved screen size and battery life over the Pixel 4, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the rumored Pixel 9 Pro XL offers similar improvements over the Pixel 9 Pro.
Still, early leaks suggest the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be even smaller than the Pixel 8, sporting a 6.5-inch screen versus the Pixel 8’s 6.7-inch screen. If true, that could mean the Pixel 9 Pro is even smaller. We’ll have to wait until August 13 to know for sure.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Foldable
Credit: Google
Google unveiled its first foldable smartphone at the Google I/O event last year, introducing the Google Pixel Fold to the world, and this year, the tech giant is set to unveil the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
This is another announcement we know is definitely coming, with Google already posting a teaser video. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer than Google’s first-generation foldable phone and comes with a more squared-off rear camera module instead of the rectangular strip on the previous model. As always, we can expect a spec upgrade as well.
Google Pixel Watch 3 (and Pixel Watch 3 XL)
While Google’s Pixel 9 smartphone is undoubtedly the star of the season for Google, it won’t be joining the party alone. Leaks suggest that Made by Google will be launching the Google Pixel Watch 3, which will be offered in both 41mm and 45mm sizes. In comparison, last year’s Pixel Watch 2 only came in the 41mm size.
Some older reports have suggested that the 45mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 will actually be called the Pixel Watch 3 XL, but that name is absent from recent leaks, raising questions about what exactly Google will name these devices.
The Pixel Watch 3 will reportedly have thinner bezels, a larger screen, and a screen that’s twice as bright as its predecessor. Google’s latest watch may also feature a new battery-saving mode that will boost the Pixel Watch 3’s charge time to 36 hours. Standard battery life for the device with an always-on display will likely remain the same as the Pixel Watch 2 at 24 hours.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google may also unveil its next-generation wireless earbuds this August. Details about the rumored Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are still scarce, but leaks suggest the earbuds will come in at least four colors: pink, pale green, ivory, and gray (though they’ll likely have flashier names).
The Pixel Buds Pro 2’s case is said to be slightly bulkier than the Pro’s, and the grilles on the Buds themselves appear to be larger. Google also appears to have brought back the Pixel Buds’ stabilizer arcs that keep the earbuds in place inside your ears.
Google TV Streamer
There’s a lot going on here — new phones, new earbuds, a new watch — but Google might not stop there: Made by Google may also be announcing the Google TV Streamer, a successor to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV.
Leaks suggest that the Google TV Streamer will ditch the dongle form factor of its predecessor in favor of hardware designed to sit on a table or entertainment unit, with the wide, pill-shaped device’s sloping surface resembling a magnetic phone charger.
The Google TV Streamer will have HDMI, Ethernet and USB ports, and the remote will have customisable shortcut buttons, as well as buttons for YouTube and Netflix.
Android 15?
“Made by Google” may be a hardware event, but hardware is nothing without software. Many were hoping that Google would release Android 15 this August with new features like theft detection, locked space to hide apps, and the ability to add photos to Google Wallet.
However, recent reports suggest that the Pixel 9 series will launch with Android 14 instead of 15, raising doubts about whether Google’s OS system is ready to debut. Android 15 is currently in its fourth and final beta, with the official release expected in the next update.
However, even if Android 15 doesn’t arrive on August 13, it’s likely to arrive within the next few months.
How can I watch “Made by Google 2024”?
Made by Google kicks off on August 13 at 10am PST / 1pm EST. For those who can’t make it to California, the event will be streamed live on the Made by Google YouTube channel.