Google’s highly anticipated Pixel 10 event on August 20 will likely see the unveiling of six new products, but fans hoping to get their hands on all of them immediately after the event might be disappointed. According to reports from WinFuture’s Roland Quandt, three key devices—the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a—may face delays and won’t start shipping until early October, roughly six weeks after the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL hit stores.
This staggered release is unusual compared to prior Pixel launches. For example, last year’s Pixel 9 series was announced and started selling within just days of each other. Even though the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel Watch 3 experienced shipment delays into September 2024, this year’s reported gap feels especially long.
The most plausible explanation for the delay centers on supply chain challenges tied to unique components found in the delayed devices. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, a second-generation foldable device, demands specialized hardware like the foldable display, hinge mechanism, and a rumored massive battery (around 5,000mAh) that could rival or outperform Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 in battery life. Such complex parts are typically harder to source and integrate, increasing the risk of shipment delays.
Similarly, the Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to feature battery life improvements over its predecessor and an entirely new side-mounted charging system, which might complicate manufacturing or certification processes. These novelties, while promising better user experience, may contribute to postponements. The Pixel Buds 2a, a budget-friendly set of wireless earbuds, remains largely unconfirmed in terms of features but is grouped with the delayed batch for release on or around October 9.
Despite these delays, Google is expected to officially announce all six products at the August 20 event, providing clear guidance on shipping schedules to manage customer expectations. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are slated to begin shipping shortly after August 28, maintaining momentum for those looking to upgrade their devices ahead of the busy fall season.
Ultimately, while waiting six weeks for the second batch of Pixel hardware might be frustrating, it underscores the technical and logistical challenges of delivering cutting-edge hardware, especially features unique to foldables and wearables. Google’s decision to split the launch into two phases could ensure a smoother rollout and better product quality for these innovative devices. Google’s upcoming August 20 event will unveil six new Pixel products, but three of them—the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a—are reportedly delayed until early October, about six weeks after the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL begin shipping.
According to insider Roland Quandt from WinFuture, supply chain issues likely tied to unique components such as the foldable display, hinge, and large battery for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold are causing this staggered release. The Pixel Watch 4 may also face delays due to a new side-mounted charging system and battery improvements that complicate production. The budget-friendly Pixel Buds 2a appear grouped with these delays for reasons not yet clear.
Though all devices will be announced on August 20 with official details, only the Pixel 10 models are expected to ship soon after August 28. Last year’s Pixel launches saw much shorter gaps, so this delay highlights the complexities in manufacturing foldables and wearables with new hardware designs.
While fans will have to wait an extra month and a half for the delayed products, this phased rollout could help Google ensure higher quality and readiness, especially for innovative features unique to these devices.