New Pixel 11 reports point to a four-phone lineup, an expected second-half launch, Tensor G6 upgrades, and a big camera wish: telephoto macro on the Pixel 11 Pro.
Google’s next flagship cycle is still months away, but the Pixel 11 conversation just got louder on January 12, 2026 (12.01.2026). Two themes are driving today’s coverage:
- The rumored Pixel 11 family is taking shape, with talk of multiple models and a second-half launch window. ( Muck Rack)
- Camera talk is shifting from “more megapixels” to smarter shooting, as some observers push Google to add a specific feature that rivals have quietly made mainstream: telephoto macro photography on the Pixel 11 Pro. ( Android Authority)
Below is a full, up-to-date roundup of what’s being reported today, what it could mean for buyers, and which details remain firmly in “rumor” territory.
Today’s Pixel 11 news (Jan 12, 2026): the two biggest stories
1) Times Now points to a four-device Pixel 11 lineup and a second-half launch
Times Now News’ Pixel 11 overview says the Pixel 11 series is expected in the second half of 2026, and suggests Google could bring four phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. ( Muck Rack)
That lines up with the direction Google has already been heading: a broader Pixel family where buyers can choose between a “regular” flagship, at least two Pro sizes, and a foldable.
2) Android Authority spotlights one camera trick the Pixel 11 Pro “needs”
Android Authority’s newest Pixel 11 Pro camera piece isn’t a leak so much as a clear argument: Google should add telephoto macro to the Pixel 11 Pro line. ( Android Authority)
The reasoning is simple: Pixels can already do macro photography, but if it’s driven by the ultrawide lens, you often have to move uncomfortably close to your subject, which can create lighting problems (think shadows) and a more distorted look. Telephoto macro lets you capture close-ups from farther back — and often with more flattering perspective. ( Android Authority)
Pixel 11 models: what’s rumored for 2026
Based on today’s reporting, the Pixel 11 lineup being discussed looks like this:
- Google Pixel 11 (base flagship)
- Google Pixel 11 Pro
- Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (larger Pro)
- Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (foldable) ( Muck Rack)
Android Authority’s longer-running rumor hub has also cited internal codenames for those devices (including “cubs,” “grizzly,” “kodiak,” and “yogi”), which is part of why Pixel 11 rumors have felt unusually “structured” so early. ( Android Authority)
What’s important right now: none of this is confirmed by Google. But multiple outlets are describing the same general shape of the lineup — standard, two Pros, and a fold — which makes it the most consistent part of the rumor picture so far.
Google Pixel 11 release date: when is it expected?
No official date exists yet, but the consensus forming across coverage is:
- Second half of 2026 (broad window) ( Muck Rack)
- Likely August 2026 (more specific expectation) ( Tech Advisor)
Why August keeps coming up: Google has been moving its flagship cadence earlier, and Tech Advisor notes the Pixel 11 range is expected to follow Google’s recent summer-event timing, typically associated with August. ( Tech Advisor) Tom’s Guide similarly labels Pixel 11 as an August 2026 launch expectation in its 2026 phone outlook. ( Tom’s Guide)
Pixel 11 design: evolution over revolution looks likely
Design rumors are always tricky because fan renders spread faster than supply-chain reality. But two credible signals suggest the Pixel 11 might not be a dramatic visual reset:
- In a 9to5Google interview, Google’s hardware design leadership indicated major design changes tend to arrive every “two to three years.” ( 9to5Google)
- Android Central has also framed Google’s near-term strategy as focusing more on software and AI as the main driver of change, while design evolves on a longer cadence. ( Android Central)
If those statements reflect how Pixel teams are operating right now, Pixel 11 could look like a refinement of the current design language rather than a reinvention — meaning the bigger changes may show up in cameras, silicon, and on-device AI.
Pixel 11 specs: Tensor G6 is the headline — but the “why” matters
Tensor G6: the rumored goal is better efficiency, thermals, and AI
Android Authority’s Pixel 11 rumor hub says the Tensor G6 is expected to be made by TSMC and is positioned more as an upgrade in efficiency and heat management than a pure “benchmark monster.” ( Android Authority)
The same report describes a Tensor G6 direction that leans into:
- improvements to battery life and thermals
- continued emphasis on AI processing, including mention of a new TPU and a “secondary nano-TPU” aimed at low-power/background tasks ( Android Authority)
Tom’s Guide has also covered rumors that Tensor G6 could help Google close the performance gap versus rivals, with speculation tied to newer manufacturing processes. ( Tom’s Guide)
The takeaway for everyday buyers: if these rumors pan out, Pixel 11’s biggest “spec upgrade” might not be one you see in a benchmark chart — it could be the kind you feel at 6 p.m. when your phone is still cool and still has battery.
Pixel 11 camera upgrades: telephoto macro is trending — plus bigger “video-first” rumors
The camera feature people are asking for: telephoto macro on Pixel 11 Pro
Here’s the most specific, tangible idea in today’s Pixel 11 discussion: telephoto macro on the Pixel 11 Pro line. ( Android Authority)
Android Authority notes that while the Pixel 10 can do macro with its ultrawide, that approach often forces you extremely close to the subject — hurting lighting, bokeh, and ease of shooting. Telephoto macro flips that: you can shoot close-ups without hovering over the object. ( Android Authority)
There’s a catch, though. The article explains why this upgrade is not automatic: 5x telephoto cameras generally struggle with close-up focusing, because longer focal lengths make macro focusing technically harder. ( Android Authority)
One proposed workaround would be shifting to a shorter telephoto (around 3x–4x) like some competitors, but that could trade away some long-range zoom performance. ( Android Authority)
In other words: telephoto macro is plausible, but it may force Google to choose between “best close-ups” and “best 5x/10x+ zoom,” unless it can engineer around the optics limitations.
Other Pixel 11 camera rumors: 100x zoom and new video tools
Separate from the telephoto macro wish list, Android Authority’s rumor hub has described multiple camera and video features that could land in the Pixel 11 generation, including:
- 4K 30fps Cinematic Blur
- Video relight (adjust lighting after recording)
- Ultra-low light video improvements (in very dim conditions)
- a telephoto feature using machine learning plus hardware to reach 100x zoom for photos/videos ( Android Authority)
If even part of this comes true, Pixel 11’s story could become less about “one killer photo sensor” and more about video editing and AI-assisted capture directly on the phone.
Pixel 11 price: what to expect (and what’s still guesswork)
Pricing is the least reliable category this far out. Still, Android Authority’s Pixel 11 rumor hub points to “at least $799” for the base model as a likely floor, and it references prior Pixel pricing tiers (base and Pro lines) for context. ( Android Authority)
Until Pixel 11 is official, the safest way to think about price is:
- Base Pixel 11: likely around the current flagship baseline
- Pro / Pro XL: likely to track “Pro tier” pricing
- Fold: still expected to command a substantial premium
Also worth noting: some industry watchers expect flagship phone prices could rise in 2026 due to component costs, which is another reason Pixel 11 price predictions remain fluid right now. ( Tom’s Guide)
Should you wait for Pixel 11 or buy a phone now?
If you need a new phone today, Pixel 11 probably isn’t the smart “wait it out” target — it’s still expected in the second half of 2026, not imminently. ( Android Authority)
But if you’re shopping specifically for a 2026 upgrade and you care about any of the rumored improvements, Pixel 11 is worth tracking if you want:
- Better real-world battery/thermals (Tensor G6 focus) ( Android Authority)
- More ambitious AI features without leaning on the cloud as much ( Android Authority)
- Camera evolution that’s about flexibility, like telephoto macro, plus rumored video tools ( Android Authority)
What to watch next: the “tell” that Pixel 11 rumors are turning into reality
Between now and launch, the most meaningful signs won’t be fan renders — they’ll be:
- More consistent reporting on the final lineup (especially whether “Pro Fold” branding sticks) ( Muck Rack)
- Concrete details about Tensor G6 performance and efficiency targets ( Android Authority)
- Camera specifics that answer the telephoto question: Is Pixel 11 Pro staying at 5x, moving to 3–4x, or doing something new to enable telephoto macro without compromise? ( Android Authority)
For now, today’s biggest Pixel 11 takeaway is clear: the conversation has moved past “will there be a Pixel 11?” to “which four phones will launch — and will Google finally modernize the Pro camera experience with a telephoto macro mode?”
Quick FAQ: Pixel 11 (as of Jan 12, 2026)
When is the Google Pixel 11 expected to launch?
Reports point to the second half of 2026, with August widely expected based on Google’s recent timing. ( Muck Rack)
Which Pixel 11 models are rumored?
Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are being discussed in today’s coverage. ( Muck Rack)
What’s the camera upgrade people want most right now?
A key request is telephoto macro on the Pixel 11 Pro line — a feature that can make close-up shots easier and often better-looking than ultrawide macro. ( Android Authority)
What chip will Pixel 11 use?
Leaks and rumor coverage point to Tensor G6, with a focus on efficiency, thermals, and AI capabilities. ( Android Authority)
