Google basically confirms the Pixel 11 is getting a price hike

Google is adjusting its pricing strategy for the upcoming Pixel 11 lineup. During a recent interview, Google Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat indicated that the company can no longer absorb rising costs associated with global supply chain shifts. While details remain subject to final verification during the official August 12 launch event, the company expects to introduce pricing changes to account for the current economic climate.

The shift is largely attributed to the ongoing surge in memory prices driven by the massive expansion of AI data centers. As demand for high-capacity RAM increases, the cost for manufacturers to procure necessary components has climbed. This trend is not exclusive to Google, as other hardware manufacturers including Apple, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Roku have already implemented price increases across their respective product categories in response to these supply constraints.

Industry observers suggest the base model Pixel 11 will launch with an entry price of $899. This potential increase is expected to be paired with a storage upgrade, with the base model shipping with 256GB of space rather than the 128GB found in previous generations. Other configurations, including the Pixel 11 Pro, are also expected to see technical adjustments to accommodate memory supply limitations, such as a shift in RAM capacity.

Google has attempted to maintain current pricing for its users over previous cycles despite these fluctuations. However, the company states that the current economic reality is too significant to ignore. The upcoming event in August will clarify the exact pricing structure and hardware specifications for the new devices. Consumers should prepare for these shifts as hardware manufacturers continue to respond to the increased pressure on the global memory market.