A more-than-fourfold jump in memory prices is forcing Google to raise costs across its Pixel lineup, even as it works to make Android leaner on RAM ahead of the August 12 launch
Google has confirmed that its upcoming Pixel 11 series will cost more than previous generations, pointing to an unprecedented global memory shortage driving up RAM prices. Speaking to 9to5Google ahead of the August 12 hardware launch, Shakil Barkat, Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services, said the company had absorbed higher component costs for as long as it could. Still, current market conditions have made price increases unavoidable.
RAM Prices Have More Than Quadrupled
Barkat described prices of memory as “off-the-charts,” saying that they have skyrocketed over the course of the past year. According to the data from Morgan Stanley that he presented, the price of 1 GB of RAM has jumped from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 in 2026 – more than four times higher than previously. “The economics are changing, and we are not immune to that,” Google said.
Price Increases Across the Lineup
Although Google has yet to reveal exact figures, it was reported that flagship Pixel phones, including the Pixel 11, and Pixel Watch were set to experience a price revision. According to leaks, Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro smartphones were expected to see a price increase of approximately $100, potentially offset somewhat by a bump to 256GB base storage. At the same time, the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are also expected to cost $100. As promised, Google announced it will continue to offer trade-ins, promotions, and bundles such as Google One to negate some of the effects of the price changes.
Existing Devices Could Get Pricier Too
The company also warned that existing devices, including the Pixel 10a, could see price increases, although Google has not yet announced specific timing for such changes.
Making Android Leaner
Alongside the price hikes, Google says it’s undertaking a “dedicated effort” to reduce Android’s memory requirements, aiming to let future devices run smoothly with less RAM and help cushion the impact of rising component costs.
