Google blames a global memory crunch for upcoming Pixel 11 price increases.<\/p>\n
Google says soaring memory prices will force it to raise prices across the Pixel 11 lineup, marking one of the clearest acknowledgments yet of how AI-driven hardware demand is affecting consumer smartphones.<\/p>\n
Speaking to 9to5Google, Google\u2019s Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, said the company has absorbed higher component costs for as long as it could, but the economics have changed dramatically.<\/p>\n
Barkat described the situation as a \u201csevere, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis,\u201d adding that \u201cthere\u2019s never been an increase in memory prices like the world\u2019s going through right now.\u201d He cited Morgan Stanley data showing the cost of 1 GB of RAM climbed from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 this year.<\/p>\n
According to Barkat, Google had \u201cshielded our consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible,\u201d but acknowledged that \u201cthe economics have fundamentally shifted and we\u2019re not immune to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a result, Google said the entire Pixel family, including the upcoming Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch<\/a> lineup, will receive price \u201cadjustments\u201d that will be \u201crolled out dynamically to match supply realities.\u201d The company will announce official pricing during its Made by Google event on Aug. 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n Recent leaks cited by multiple publications suggest the Pixel 11 lineup could see price increases of around $100, although Google has not confirmed those figures.<\/p>\n Google leans on software to offset hardware costs<\/p>\n Beyond passing some of the higher component costs to customers, Google said it is working to reduce its dependence on large amounts of memory<\/a>.<\/p>\n Barkat said the company is making a \u201cdedicated effort\u201d to lower memory requirements across Android and its app ecosystem \u201cto enable devices to have less RAM while maintaining a great user experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Google also said its vertically integrated approach\u2014combining Android, Tensor chips, AI software, and on-device models\u2014helps optimize memory usage more efficiently. Meanwhile, the company said it remains committed to \u201cdelivering premium experiences at an accessible value.\u201d<\/p>\n Barkat noted that promotions, trade-in offers, and bundled perks such as Google One will remain \u201ca central part of how we make the Pixel lineup accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n More Google coverage<\/p>\n What buyers should expect<\/p>\n While Google has not disclosed final pricing, leaks indicate the base Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro<\/a> may replace 128 GB storage with 256 GB as the starting configuration, partially offsetting higher prices. Some reports also suggest entry-level Pixel 11 Pro models could ship with 12 GB of RAM instead of 16 GB.<\/p>\n Google also hinted that current Pixel devices already on the market could eventually receive price adjustments, though it did not specify which products or when those changes might take effect.<\/p>\n Google\u2019s comments illustrate how AI\u2019s rapid expansion is reshaping the smartphone supply chain<\/a>. As memory manufacturers prioritize AI infrastructure, handset makers may increasingly turn to software optimization and configuration changes to offset higher hardware costs\u2014leaving consumers to weigh improved AI capabilities against steadily rising prices.<\/p>\n