Prosser’s information, which he obtained from anonymous sources, includes a detail that Google will follow in Apple’s lead and begin using its own in-house silicon to power Pixel phones, rather than relying on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Apple has shown the advantages of designing iPhone hardware and software in harmony, requiring smaller batteries and less RAM than comparable Android phones. Developing chips in-house, it can have full customization over every detail of how the chip works and what requirements it must meet. Buying chipsets from Qualcomm, Google would continue to be at the mercy of a third-party to innovate.
During its third-quarter earnings call last year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai hinted that it may be developing its own chipsets. “We’re doing some deeper investments in hardware, which some of it takes two to three years to come together. I’m excited at the terrific roadmap ahead.”
Prosser says that Google has committed to at least 5 years of software updates for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. It’s unclear when Google may announce the new phones, but Prosser estimates sometime around October. And how much are the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro going to cost? The Pixel 4a and 5 scaled back the features to reduce pricing. With these kinds of specs, Google could increase the price again, which would upset a lot of people who were already peeved at how much previous Pixels cost.