The rumored Google Pixel Fold and Google Pixel 7a release dates were just tipped as part of a series of Google I/O-themed leaks that FrontPageTech's Jon Prosser shared on Twitter.
According to the leaker, the Google Pixel Fold — Google's first true foldable handset — will reportedly be announced and made available for pre-order May 10, with full availability June 27.
The bad news? Jon Prosser said in a follow-up tweet that the Pixel Fold price will be $1,799 (around £1,453 / AU$2,685). This runs counter to a previous rumor that predicted the handset could be up to $500 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Google Pixel Fold Announcement: May 10Pre-order from Google Store: May 10Pre-order from partners / carriers: May 30Available: June 27 pic.twitter.com/11zMixDdYyApril 17, 2023
Google's foldable phone will allegedly launch approximately 6 weeks after the I/O main event. It's a longer wait period than we typically see for new smartphones, though perhaps Google wants to make the most of having everyone's attention for the I/O keynote.
All eyes on Google Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold has been on our radar for a while, and it's looking like it'll finally materialize alongside the Pixel 7a and Android 14 at I/O.
The Pixel Fold is tipped to beat the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at it's own game by leveraging the "M13" display materials from Samsung Display. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to use M12, which might not offer as strong performance as the M13.
Apparently the foldable Pixel Fold will feature a 7.69-inch inner display and a 5.79-inch outer display. We've also see in renders that the rear camera array could look the same as it does on the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Otherwise, many of the the specs and features remain to be seen.
Google Pixel 7a release date leaks, too
Meanwhile, the budget-friendly Pixel 7a could also be unveiled at Google I/O on May 10, but become available for purchase immediately.
Based on previous I/O keynotes, we've suspected the value-priced Google Pixel 7-alternative would be revealed at the annual developer conference. But in 2021, Google established a 2-month gap between the announcement and actual availability of the Pixel 6a. If Prosser's intel is accurate, interested customers will be able to get their hands on the Pixel 7a the same day it's announced.
In addition to release date information, Prosser tweeted the selection of Pixel 7a colors. The device will allegedly come in Charcoal, Snow, Sea and Coral (though it seems the Coral option will only be available directly from the Google Store.) Sea will likely be the light blue color we saw leaked in Pixel 7a renders earlier this month.
Google Pixel 7aCharcoal, Snow, Sea (light blue), and Coral (Google Store only) Announcement: May 10, available for purchase immediately 6a will not be discontinued.April 17, 2023
Prosser also claims the Google Pixel 6a will remain available for purchase. Between the Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 6a, we haven't seen any rumors suggesting a price hike. Assuming Google wants to compete with the Samsung Galaxy A54, we expected the Pixel 7a price tag to land at $449 / £340 / AU$749. Perhaps the Pixel 6a will receive a price cut to justify sticking around.
