Google confirms Pixel 11 price increase, reveals ‘dedicated’ effort to make Android more RAM-efficient

Google is officially raising prices for its upcoming Pixel 11 series. Shakil Barkat, the company's vice president of devices and services, confirmed that a sharp increase in global memory costs has forced a change in pricing strategy. With the price of RAM rising significantly over the past year, Google can no longer shield consumers from these supply chain pressures.

While specific pricing details are still pending the formal announcement on August 12, leaks suggest a potential increase of $100 for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro models. The company plans to manage these hardware costs by potentially doubling storage capacities for base models, aiming to provide more value despite the higher entry price. Trade-in offers and bundled perks like Google One subscriptions will remain part of their strategy to keep devices accessible.

Beyond price changes, the company is prioritizing software efficiency. Engineering teams are working on a dedicated effort to reduce the memory footprint of the Android operating system and its app ecosystem. This work aims to maintain high performance on hardware even as manufacturers navigate volatile component markets.

These market shifts are not limited to the flagship series. Current models, including the mid-range offerings, will likely see price adjustments as supply chain realities continue to impact the broader electronics industry. Prospective buyers are encouraged to evaluate their upgrade plans sooner rather than later to avoid the upcoming price adjustments.