Google might be changing the Pixel playbook once again. After nudging last year’s Pixel 9 series launch to August, deliberately ahead of Apple’s September iPhone 16 reveal, Google now seems ready to up the ante. The next flagship, Pixel 10, could make its grand entrance as early as late June or early July.

Invitations have already gone out to select members of Google’s Pixel Superfans club for an exclusive event dubbed the “Pixel Penthouse”, set to take place in London on June 27. And no, it’s not just a clever name—the invite promises hands-on access to pre-release Pixel devices, Q&A sessions with Google employees (affectionately dubbed “Googlers”), and a stash of “Pixel-themed goodies” for the chosen few.

But there’s a catch—only 25 fans will be allowed through the door. To earn their spot, invitees must first answer a series of questions posed by Google to prove their Pixel prowess.

For years, Google timed Pixel launches around October. The problem? Apple launches its iPhones in September, and potential buyers often don’t wait around. Many simply go for the shiny new iPhone, leaving the Pixel in the shadows before it even arrives.

In an effort to beat Apple to the punch, Google launched the Pixel 9 series a month earlier last year. Now, it looks like they’re moving even faster. By setting the stage for a June event, Google is clearly aiming to get ahead of Apple’s expected iPhone 17 reveal, which usually lands in September.

Pixel 10 series: What to expect

While the Pixel 10 hasn’t been officially unveiled, leaks and rumours are already painting a vivid picture of what we can expect.
The next-generation handset is rumoured to be powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G5 chip, with 12GB of RAM on the base model. For those who want even more power, the Pixel 10 Pro may offer a hefty 16GB RAM option, continuing the high-performance trend seen in the Pixel 9 Pro series.

Early benchmarks, including a recent Geekbench listing, suggest the Tensor G5 is already being tested with Android 15. However, it’s widely expected that the Pixel 10 series will debut with Android 16 pre-installed, making it the poster child for Google’s next-gen operating system.

On the photography front, things could get interesting. Concept renders doing the rounds hint at a triple-lens camera setup across the Pixel 10 range, not just the Pro variant. This marks a potential shift in Google’s approach, possibly making features once exclusive to premium models more widely available.

The leaked specs point to a 64-megapixel main camera, paired with a 64-megapixel ultra-wide and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, allegedly offering up to 50x digital zoom. That’s a serious spec sheet, though it’s worth noting that these details stem from concept art rather than official announcements. In other words: exciting, but not set in stone.

In terms of design, don’t expect a radical overhaul. Leaked images suggest the Pixel 10 shares a striking resemblance to the Pixel 9 Pro, especially with the horizontal camera bar now seemingly standard across the entire range. Whether it’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or just a placeholder for more dramatic upgrades inside, remains to be seen.