(Image via Google)
Nexus has long been Google’s flagship line of Android smartphones, and it is known for being among the first to get Android OS updates. With the release of two new smartphones by Google in October, however, the role of Nexus may be changing. Pixel looks to be the future of Google smartphones, and Nexus might be in the company’s rear view mirror.
Pixel and Pixel XL Release October 4
Google is expected to release two new smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL, on October 4. The phones are technically scheduled to be unveiled on that date, but Google will likely accept pre-orders on the same day. The phones should actually ship out to consumers on October 20.
Since they haven’t been fully unveiled yet, not a lot is known about the Pixel and Pixel XL. A leak from @LiabTooFer, a source that has been very reliable in the past, says they’ll ship out with Android 7.1 — which is enough to make the future of Nexus devices grim, especially after the recent news that the Nexus 5 will not be getting Android Nougat.
The Beginning of the End for Nexus
Google hasn’t made any announcements about the future of Nexus, but the release of Pixel and Pixel XL with Android 7.1 doesn’t look good for the Nexus line. With new Google-branded smartphones that come with the latest Android OS update coming out, Nexus’ role is being diminished. It no longer will be the only Google flagship smartphone line that has the most recent Android OS version.
Whether the release of Pixel and Pixel XL mark the death of Nexus devices remains to be seen, however, it does seem that Google is moving on.
