Google has officially confirmed its next ‘Made by Google’ event set to take place on 20 August 2025, and it’s widely expected that it’ll feature the debut of the next-gen Pixel 10 collection.
Even Google itself has basically confirmed it, sharing a teaser of what looks to be the Pixel 10 Pro as part of the event announcement.
But if you were hoping to also see the budget-focused Pixel 10a at the August launch, you might want to manage your expectations.
Pixel 10 range launch plans
The Pixel 10 collection is set to take centre stage at Google’s big August event, following the company’s usual pattern for its mainline Pixel launches after its move from October to August with the Pixel 9 series last year.
In terms of rumours, expect the latest camera hardware, a new Tensor chip and new AI-powered features like Magic Cue that’s said to intelligently provide you with information and shortcuts as and when needed. We cover the latest Pixel 10 range rumours separately if you want to find out more.
But what about the mid-range Pixel 10a? If you’re hoping for a budget-friendly alternative to the Pixel 10 to land at the same time, history – and Google’s own release schedule – suggests you’ll be waiting quite a while longer.
Why the Pixel 10a won’t be there
It all really comes down to timing. Google’s ‘a’ series phones have settled into a somewhat predictable release cycle, and it doesn’t line up with the flagship launch. The Pixel 9a only arrived in April 2025, just a few months ago, and Google has shown no signs of speeding up its schedule with the 10a.
To put it simply, the ‘a’ series tends to follow on from the main Pixel series, usually by around eight or nine months. The Pixel 9 collection launched in August 2024, for example, but the Pixel 9a didn’t arrive until April 2025. That means the Pixel 10a almost certainly won’t appear until sometime in April 2026, at the very least.
This staggered approach may seem confusing, but it gives each phone its own moment in the spotlight – and also ensures that the ‘a’ series can offer some flagship features at a more affordable price without cannibalising Google’s sales of said flagships.
What should you do if you want a cheap Pixel?
If you’re on the hunt for a wallet-friendly Pixel, the Pixel 9a is still fresh and widely available. With a respectable 4.5-star rating by our team, it remains a solid option for those who want Google’s top-end software smarts without paying flagship prices.
You could also wait until the reveal of the Pixel 10 in a few weeks and then buy a Pixel 9 – the flagship has already begun to drop in price, and we imagine it’ll fall even further once its successor is widely available.
Simply put, the Pixel 10a is at least eight months away, so there’s no point in waiting if you need a new phone now.
