Google Pixel Pro prices to rise as memory costs soar
Google confirms Google Pixel Pro and Pixel 11 prices will rise as soaring RAM costs reshape phone production. Devices VP Shakil Barkat cited a severe supplier-driven memory crisis, with 1 GB of RAM climbing from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 this year. Official pricing lands at Made by Google on Aug. 12.
Key Takeaways
- Google says the Pixel 11 family and Pixel Watch lineup will see price adjustments tied to memory supply realities.
- VP Shakil Barkat called it a "severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis," citing Morgan Stanley data on sharp RAM cost spikes.
- Leaks suggest roughly $100 higher U.S. prices, though Google has not confirmed those figures.
- Reports say Pixel 11 models may start at 256GB storage, up from 128GB on most Pixel 10 phones.
- Google is pushing software optimizations and will keep trade-ins, promotions, and Google One perks in play.
Why are Google Pixel Pro prices going up?
Speaking to 9to5Google, Shakil Barkat, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, said the company shielded buyers from supply swings for as long as it could. He argued the economics have "fundamentally shifted," and Google is "not immune."
According to TechRepublic, Barkat described never-before-seen memory price jumps driven by AI-related hardware demand. That crunch is now flowing into consumer smartphones, including the Google Pixel Pro tier.
How much will the Pixel 11 lineup cost?
Google has not published final numbers. It said adjustments will roll out "dynamically to match supply realities," with official pricing due during the Made by Google event on Aug. 12.
Recent leaks cited by multiple outlets suggest increases around $100, but those figures remain unconfirmed. For more gadget headlines in this lane, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
CNET notes UK pricing rumors look softer in places: the Pixel 11 starting near £879 with 256GB, slightly under the prior 256GB Pixel 10 price, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to rise. U.S. shoppers are likelier to feel the hike.
Will higher prices come with more storage?
Google has not confirmed storage configs. A WinFuture report relayed by CNET says the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL will start at 256GB, replacing 128GB bases on most Pixel 10 models. That could partially offset sticker shock, though budget buyers lose a cheaper 128GB tier.
Some reports also suggest entry-level Pixel 11 Pro units could ship with 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB. Barkat said Google is working to cut memory needs across Android while keeping a strong experience, and promotions plus trade-ins will stay central to accessibility.
What else is Google teasing for the Google Pixel Pro?
Ahead of Aug. 12, Google released another "The Next Obvious Move" teaser highlighting Pixel Glow on the Pixel 11 Pro—an LED ring around the cameras that may act as a notification light. PhoneArena reports it appears to replace the infrared thermometer from the Pixel 10 Pro, though Google has not fully detailed controls or colors.
Buyers weighing a Google Pixel Pro upgrade will learn final pricing, storage, and feature details when Google takes the stage next month.