Google has confirmed that it will hold the launch event for its next-generation Pixel 11 smartphone series on August 12 (local time) in New York. The press invitation carries the phrase "the next generation of Pixel" alongside an image of a gold-toned handset, giving us an early look at the design direction ahead of the official reveal. The next-generation smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 5, is also expected to make its debut at the same event.

August 12 in New York, and a Prime-Time Slot This Year

Google sent out invitations to the press around July 7 for its Made by Google event. The date is set for August 12, and the venue is New York for the second year in a row. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. local time.

The start time is worth noting. Google's hardware launch events have traditionally kicked off around 1:00 p.m. This year, the company has moved the show to the evening — prime time, when TV viewership peaks — suggesting that Google wants this announcement to reach a much broader general audience.

While the invitation does not mention any product names, it clearly states that "the next generation of Pixel" will be unveiled, leaving little doubt that the Pixel 11 series will headline the show. The lineup is expected to consist of the standard Pixel 11, the higher-end Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The Pixel Watch 5 smartwatch is also expected to be announced on the same stage.

What the Invitation Image Reveals About the Design

The invitation includes a teaser image showing part of a device believed to be the Pixel 11 Pro. The handset in the image has a gold finish, a flat metal frame, and a pill-shaped camera module stretching across nearly the full width of the back. The camera bar, the signature design element of the Pixel series, appears to be alive and well on the next model.

Previously leaked renders had suggested there would be no major design changes, and this official image seems to back that up. Meanwhile, Pixel Glow — an RGB lighting effect around the camera module that had been hinted at in pre-release software — could not be confirmed in this image. It may simply be hidden under the black glass covering the camera area, so we will have to wait for the official announcement to learn more.

Prices Look Set to Rise

Around the same time the invitations went out, a leak surfaced regarding European pricing. According to the leak, the Pixel 11 series will drop the 128 GB base storage option, raising the minimum configuration to 256 GB. As a result, the 256 GB models are expected to cost 100 euros (about 19,000 yen) more than before.

The leaked European prices start at 999 euros (about 185,000 yen) for the Pixel 11, 1,199 euros (about 222,000 yen) for the Pixel 11 Pro, 1,399 euros (about 259,000 yen) for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and 1,999 euros (about 370,000 yen) for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. These are still pre-announcement leaks, but if accurate, even the cheapest model would come in at roughly 1,000 euros — a rather bold pricing strategy. As for Japanese pricing, we will need to wait for the official announcement.

※1 EUR = 185 JPY (as of July 8, 2026)

Summary

The Pixel 11 series launch event will take place on August 12 at 6:00 p.m. local time in New York. The teaser image on the invitation shows what appears to be a Pixel 11 Pro with a new gold finish and the familiar camera bar. The leak pointing to higher prices is a concern, but the full picture — including the Pixel Watch 5 — will become clear in about a month.