Google confirms price increase for all Pixel phones, including upcoming flagship - Neowin

What the report says

Neowin reports that Google has acknowledged rising component costs will lead to higher prices across its Pixel phone lineup, including upcoming models. The article cites a statement given to 9to5Google by Shakil Barkat, Google’s vice president of Devices and Services, who said the company has been affected by sharply higher RAM prices and broader supply-chain pressures. Neowin frames the issue as part of a wider memory shortage linked to demand from AI companies.

According to the report, Barkat said Google had previously tried to absorb or reduce the effect on buyers, but current economics have changed enough that the company cannot avoid passing on some costs. He pointed to Morgan Stanley research indicating that the price of 1GB of RAM rose from $2.80 last year to $12 in 2026. Neowin says all Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10a, are expected to become more expensive, with exact pricing to be disclosed at the Pixel 11 launch on August 12.

The article also notes that unconfirmed leaks suggest the entry-level Pixel could rise by $100 compared with its predecessor and may ship with 12GB of RAM rather than 16GB. Google may offset part of that change by offering 256GB of storage instead of 128GB, though Neowin says it remains unclear how consumers will respond.

Beyond pricing, Barkat said Google is working on software-side optimizations to reduce Android and app memory demands so devices can remain smooth with less RAM. Further details on both prices and technical changes are expected around the launch event.