Pixel 11 Made by Google 2026 launch event: How to watch and what to expect

A mockup of a Pixel 11 with a glowing camera island representing the rumored Pixel Glow feature, using a Pixel 10 Pro XL as the model
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The wait is almost over. Google has confirmed that its next Pixel hardware launch event will take place on August 12th in New York at 6:00 PM ET. We're expecting big reveals around the Pixel 11 series, of course, along with some new wearables and possibly a few surprises from the brand.

If you're wondering how to watch the event live and what to expect, here's everything you need to know.

How to watch the Made by Google event on August 12

Google Pixel with Rick Osterloh

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Google has confirmed that its Made by Google event is taking place in New York on August 12 at 6:00 PM ET. As always, the company has invited select media, journalists, and a handful of influencers to join the event in person, where it'll be unveiling its new phones and wearables.

For the rest of us at home, Google will once again be streaming the launch event on its Made by Google YouTube channel, so you'll be able to tune in live and watch everything unfold in real time.

The company hasn't set up a YouTube event listing for the Pixel 11 series just yet, though we'd expect that to go live closer to the date. Once it does, we'll be embedding the live stream directly above, so you'll be able to access it right here.

What to expect from Google's next Pixel hardware launch event

Made by Google is where the company unveils its next-generation hardware. This year, we're expecting the Pixel 11 series to take center stage, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 lineup, new wearables, and a handful of software announcements.

Based on the multitude of leaks we've seen over the past few weeks, here's a complete roundup of everything we're expecting Google to announce at its August 12 event.

Pixel 11 series

A screenshot of a Pixel 11 Pro teaser from the Google Store, showcasing Pixel Glow's multi-colored LED experience.

(Image credit: Google Store)

It's no surprise that the Pixel 11 series will be the star of this year's Made by Google event. While leaks were relatively quiet at first, the floodgates have opened over the past few weeks, giving us a pretty clear picture of what to expect from Google's next flagship phones.

In terms of design, the Pixel 11 lineup is expected to look very similar to the Pixel 10 series, with the same rounded corners, flat sides, and signature camera bar. The only new hardware change, design-wise, is expected to be the new Pixel Glow LED, which the company has even been teasing on the Google Store.

Google is also expected to stick with the same four-model lineup: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Pixel 11 series leaked colors

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

The new phones are rumored to arrive in a range of fresh colors, but the bigger changes are expected under the hood. Google may finally switch to a new 2nm Tensor G6 chip built by TSMC, which should address many of the performance and efficiency complaints surrounding previous Tensor processors.

There's also expected to be a modem upgrade, with Google reportedly moving to a MediaTek modem for the first time.

Unfortunately, like many smartphones launching in 2026, the Pixel 11 series is also expected to get a price hike. Current leaks suggest every model could cost around $100 more than its predecessor.

The silver lining is that Google is also rumored to double the base storage to 256GB. Thankfully, we won't have to wait much longer to find out how accurate the leaks have been.

Pixel Watch 5

Turning the crown on the Google Pixel Watch 2

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Pixel Watch 5 first leaked in perhaps the most unexpected way possible, after a diver reportedly found one on the ocean floor near St. Martin. Since then, a number of other leaks have filled in the rest of the picture.

In terms of design, the Pixel Watch 5 is expected to retain the same curved, circular display we've seen on previous Pixel Watch models. Google is also reportedly sticking with the same 41mm and 45mm size options.

Under the hood, however, the report suggests there won't be a new chipset this year, meaning we won't see the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip that debuted on Samsung's latest Galaxy Watches. That said, Google is reportedly increasing the RAM, which should help with the new on-device AI features.

As for pricing, leaks suggest Google is planning a small price increase compared to last year's models. If that proves true, it would mark the first time Google has raised Pixel Watch prices since the lineup debuted.

More wearables? New software features?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in the Mint colorway.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Made by Google is never just about the hardware that's already leaked. In fact, Google almost always has a few surprises up its sleeve, and this year is unlikely to be any different. We're expecting the company to show off a few more devices alongside the Pixel lineup.

Could we finally see the launch of Google's Android XR smart glasses developed in collaboration with Xreal? It's certainly possible, but we'll have to wait until the keynote to find out.

Google is also expected to debut its partner hardware for Googlebooks this fall, but perhaps we can expect a look at first-party Googlebook hardware this year at the Made by Google event.

And, of course, Pixel launch events are never just about new hardware. Google also spends a significant amount of time showcasing the software experiences that power its latest devices. That means we can expect to hear much more about Android 17, including new features like Rambler, new emojis, and Gemini Intelligence coming to the Pixel 11 series.


As in previous years, Android Central will be on the ground at Google's Made by Google event, bringing you full coverage and live updates from the keynote. We'll also be running a live blog throughout the event, so you can follow along in real time as Google unveils its next generation of Pixel devices.

Sanuj Bhatia
Contributor

Sanuj is a tech writer who loves exploring smartphones, tablets, and wearables. He began his journey with a Nokia Lumia and later dived deep into Android and iPhone. He's been writing about tech since 2018, with bylines at Pocketnow, Android Police, Pocket-Lint, and MakeUseOf. When he's not testing gadgets, he's either sipping chai, watching football, or playing cricket.

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