Rather than wait until its Pixel launch event next week on Aug. 12, Googleâas in past yearsâhas started posting video teasers for its new Pixel 11 series phones early. The company has shared two videos so farâone for the Pixel 11 Pro and one for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
In the teaser for its next bar-style flagship Android phone, Google says “You use Gmail, Google Maps, Google Search, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Gemini⦠â¦all on your phone⦠seems like the next move is⦠yeah,” before cutting to the Pixel’s signature camera bar.
We can see three lenses in the bar, but what’s that rainbow-colored hole? It doesn’t look like a regular LED flash or the temperature sensor on the Pixel 10 Pro series. Sleuths have uncovered that the feature may be Gemini-related. According to 9to5Google, the feature could be called “HiLight,” and phrasing in the Android 17 Beta 4 hints at using “subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when itâs face down.” It sounds like the return of the notification LED indicators that were popular on early Android phones over a decade ago.
Recently unretired leaker Evan Blass shared alleged images of the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. Aside from new colors, a faster Tensor G6 chip, and the aforementioned HiLight indicator, those leaks suggest the Pixel 11 Pro line should look largely the same as the Pixel 10 Pro series. Don’t expect another sweeping redesign.
As for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google hasn’t shared much. “To switch phones, you have to be open to whatâs new. And to what opens,” announces the narrator of the teaser video. Not to worry, though: Blass has also spoiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with what appear to be high-resolution press images. Google’s fourth-generation book-style foldable looks pretty similar to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with the same purported HiLight indicator and raised camera lenses that suggest improved image quality.
Google will likely tease the rumored Pixel Watch 5 and the “Pixel Tag” item tracker next, which will compete with Apple’s AirTag. Both have also leaked extensively.
In any case, we don’t have long to wait. Next week will be here before you know it.