Although Google won’t officially present the Pixel 11 series until August 12, it has already signaled to potential buyers that prices will be rising. The company has announced that all devices within this lineup will carry higher price tags compared to previous models.
Shakil Barkat, Vice President of Devices and Services, mentioned in an interview that “adjustments” in pricing are necessary due to rising memory costs. He noted that these changes will occur “dynamically,” depending on supply for both current and future devices. Barkat stated that Google has tried to shield customers from the impact of these price hikes for as long as possible, but the time has come for adjustments.
Despite the increase, Barkat reassured that there will be promotional offers and bundle deals available to make purchases more appealing. He emphasized that Google is committed to actively lowering Android’s memory demands so that users won’t require as much RAM for a comparable experience as in past models.
According to speculation, the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro could see price increases of $100, setting their starting prices at $899 and $1,099 respectively. The standard Pro model is expected to have 12GB of RAM, down from the 16GB available in the Pixel 10 Pro. However, all new devices will likely come with at least 256GB of storage, a boost from the 128GB offered last year.
The implications of this price adjustment for the Pixel 10a and Pixel Watch remain uncertain, but it’s advisable for those interested in purchasing these models to act quickly if budget is a concern.
Other Companies Following Suit
Google’s decision to increase Pixel 11 prices is consistent with a broader trend in the industry, as it is not alone in confronting escalating component costs. For instance, Samsung has increased the prices of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 compared to their 2025 counterparts. Apple is also expected to raise the price of the iPhone 18 Pro following recent hikes in its Mac, iPad, and other devices.
Google’s advance notice of price increases is similar to Apple’s strategy in June when CEO Tim Cook indicated that heightened prices were on the horizon. Both companies aim to set expectations early, hoping to soften any customer dissatisfaction. Though users may not welcome the increase, they might be more accepting when it arrives.
However, the price hike could negatively impact sales. While Barkat asserts that Google aims to provide “premium experiences at an accessible value,” the rumored starting price of $899 for the Pixel 11 could position it above the Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17, making it a harder sell—even if Samsung and Apple eventually adopt similar pricing strategies.
