Google confirms Pixel 11 launch event with a tease of its new flagship design

Google just made the Pixel 11 launch official. The Made by Google 2026 event is scheduled for August 12, 2026, a week earlier than last year. It kicks off at 6 PM ET in New York City, noticeably later than Google’s usual timing. 

Along with the date confirmation, Google dropped an invite image showing a gold metal frame, which could be our clearest look yet at the Pixel 11 Pro’s design: flat frame and premium finish. 

So what’s actually showing up on August 12?

Expect the full Pixel 11 lineup, including four models. I’m talking about the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Alongside, we’re also expecting the Pixel Watch 5 in two sizes, along with new Pixel Buds Pro (though we haven’t heard any rumors about it). 

On the design front, the Pixel 11 Pro isn’t getting a dramatic overhaul. The leaked renders point toward the same flat metal frame and a protruding, pill-shaped camera module that stretches nearly the full width of the phone.

One new wrinkle is Pixel Glow, an RGB LED lighting feature that surfaced in leaks earlier this year. Although it doesn’t appear in the invite image, it could be hidden under the camera module’s black glass.

Is there a catch?

Yes, there appears to be one. A leak published hours before Google sent out invites pointed to significantly higher Pixel 11 prices in Europe. 

Google is reportedly dropping the baseline 128GB storage variant entirely, implying that the cheapest Pixel 11 configuration could start from 256GB and cost €100 more than last year’s equivalent.

Running those numbers means the entry-level Pixel 11 might cost €999 in Europe, while the Pixel 11 Pro could start at €1,199 and the Pixel 11 Pro XL at €1,399. US pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the direction seems clear. It goes without saying, but August 12 is going to be a big day for Google.