Google confirms Pixel 11 price rise as AI-driven memory costs reshape hardware economics
The base model is expected to retail at $899 with increased storage, marking a departure from previous pricing structures amid industry-wide RAM shortages.
Google has officially confirmed that the upcoming Pixel 11 smartphone will carry a higher price tag than its predecessor, the Pixel 10. The decision follows a broader industry trend driven by soaring memory costs associated with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centres. Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat stated that the company had shielded consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible but must now adjust prices to match current supply realities.
The base model Pixel 11 is expected to cost $899, offering 256GB of storage instead of the 128GB found in the previous generation. Barkat told 9to5 Google that the Pixel lineup would see pricing adjustments that will be rolled out dynamically to match supply realities. He noted that the economics have fundamentally shifted and that Google is not immune to the pressures affecting the wider technology sector.
This move aligns with a phenomenon often referred to as RAMageddon, where major tech firms including Apple, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Roku have raised prices due to ongoing RAM supply issues. The volatility in the memory market has forced manufacturers to reconsider pricing strategies as component costs rise. Qualcomm has also indicated it will hike processor prices by double-digit percentages for devices shipped after 1 September 2026 due to supply chain constraints at manufacturer TSMC.
While the base model pricing and storage capacity have been outlined, details regarding the Pixel 11 Pro remain less certain. Rumours suggest the Pro model may see a reduction in RAM, potentially dropping from 16GB to 12GB, although this has not been officially confirmed by Google. The exact final pricing structure beyond the base model’s expected $899 price point remains unconfirmed until the official announcement.
Google is scheduled to announce the new devices on 12 August. The price increase for the Pixel 11 serves as a clear indicator of how capital-intensive infrastructure for AI is impacting consumer electronics margins. Investors and industry observers will be watching the official rollout closely to see how Google balances component costs with market demand in this constrained supply environment.
