Will the Google Pixel 6 release at Google IO 2021?

Don’t expect the Pixel 6

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Google IO 2021is coming very soon and we’re sure to get a load of new announcements when it does, but will we see thePixel 6released during the event too? Fans ofGoogle’s flagship phones will be desperate to get their hands on this year’s model, though we wouldn’t recommend holding your breath.

While we don’t know anything for certain – so never say never – typically Pixel flagships release towards the end of the year. Google IO 2021 is just too early for us to expect a Pixel 6 reveal, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything of note at the event.

Be sure to check back for our coverage of the Google IO event (which will be going on from May 18-20) if you want to know everything that was or wasn’t announced, and keep reading to find out the tech we actually expect will be at Google IO.

When were previous Google Pixel phones announced?

Here’s a run down of when every Google Pixel phone has been announced:

As you can see, the main-series Pixel phones tend to pop up towards the end of the year, while the only phone to arrive at Google IO was the Pixel 3a and 3a XL - though we likely would have seen the 4a series at Google IO 2020, had it not been cancelled for Covid-19 reasons.

As a result it’s unlikely we’ll see the Pixel 6 at the May event.

What could be at Google IO 2021?

If you’re looking for a Google Pixel announcement at Google IO 2021, then while the Pixel 6 might not be there we could see thePixel 5a. ThePixel 3awas announced at the event in 2019, so something similar could happen this year. Unfortunately, it might only be released in theUS and Japan, likely due to ongoing chip shortages keeping it in limited supply.

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ThePixel Watchis also a possibility for the event, as we’ve seen a fair few leaks about the device already. This would be Google’s first entry into the smartwatch market (not counting itsFitbitacquisition), so it makes sense that they might want to announce the launch at a large event like Google IO.

Beyond that, we’d also expect anAndroid 12announcement (probably a date for public beta testing or its official release) andPixel Buds A(earphones like the Pixel a line of phones in that they’re more of a budget tech option).

Be sure to check back May 18-20 to find all the latest for the Google IO 2021 event.

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

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