Pixel 5a, Pixel Buds A were no-shows at Google I/O — so when will they launch?

(Image credit: Steve Hemmerstoffer/Voice)

The Google I/O developers briefing keynote offered something for everyone — unless you happen to be interested in hardware.

While Google took great care to detail the interface overhaul for Android 12, new features in Wearable OS and updates in everything from Maps to Google Docs, not a single new hardware product appeared at I/O. And if y'all're hungry for news about the upcoming Google Pixel 5a or the rumored Pixel Buds A-Series, that has to sting a niggling.

Google I/O 2021 recap — everything Google appear
The five big Android 12 updates that will modify your phone forever
Plus: OnePlus Nord 2 specs leak reveals a large surprise

In a style, the lack of hardware news should have been expected. While Google I/O garners worldwide attention, it's still a developer-focused conference, and developers desire to hear about software, peculiarly the software enhancements that impact their ain products. So more than about Android 12'due south interface changes and what that means for apps, and less about which processor is powering the Pixel 5a.

Then again, Google has spoiled united states of america at recent I/Os. Back in 2019 — the last fourth dimension Google had a programmer get-together — it unveiled both the Pixel 3a and the Nest Hub Max. Surely, some observes thought, Google might talk hardware again this time out, even if it was only to address the rumors that it was going to build its own fries for this fall's Pixel half dozen release. Alas, no dice.

Pixel 3a launch — The Pixel 3a at Google I/O 2019, when Google made hardware news at its developer conference (Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

And then if Google isn't going to make any hardware news at Google I/O 2021 — and it would exist really weird to denote annihilation now — when can nosotros wait to run into the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and Pixel Buds Series A, all three of which could have made a cameo this week? We can't say with any certainty, but we tin can make some educated guesses.

Pixel half dozen probable launch engagement

Commencement, at that place's no demand to panic about the lack of hardware announcements at this year's I/O. While Google didn't have anything information technology opted to show off at this year'southward show, that doesn't hateful there'due south null to show off. The Android 12 code apparently references the Pixel 6 and Pixel 5a — and the Pixel Fold, too! — and so it's safe to assume those phones are yet much a function of Google's plans. As well, we've heard so many rumors about the Pixel Buds Series A at this point, it's likely those aren't the figments of some rumor monger'due south overactive animation.

The likely release date for the Pixel 6 is the easiest to effigy out. Google tends to release its flagship phones in early Oct, and it's probable going to stick to that pattern with this twelvemonth's model, barring any bit shortage-fueled delays. Google might be planning to use its own chips to power the Pixel 6, and that plan could still exist, even without whatever heads up to developers during I/O.

Pixel 5a probable release date

The Pixel 5a's launch is a little trickier. One rumor suggests the upkeep version of Google's phone could launch on June 11 — since that's a Friday, we assume that would be the phone's send date. But that doesn't leave a lot of time for Google to host some other launch event, especially when information technology just had everyone's attending for the Google I/O keynote. When you lot also consider that the rumored June 11 would exist at the same time equally Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, yous'd effigy that any Pixel 5a news might become lost in the shuffle. Nosotros'd expect elsewhere for a possible release date, in other words.

Google may have provided a pretty good indication of when the Pixel 5a is coming when it denied a rumor earlier this year that the phone was getting cancelled. The Pixel 5a, Google said, "volition exist available later this twelvemonth in the U.Southward. and Japan and announced in line with when terminal yr'southward a-series phone was introduced."

Assuming that Google's referring to the Pixel 4a, that telephone debuted in mid-August last year. That would requite Google plenty of fourth dimension to launch the phone ahead of September's expected iPhone 13 event without impacting the Pixel 6 rollout later in the fall. Or, Google could simply combine two phone launches into i, and have the Pixel 5a and Pixel 6 join each other on stage. (The dueling version numbers would seem a little confusing to consumers, though, so we'll stick with that Baronial theory.)

Pixel Buds A-Series likely release date

Every bit for the Pixel Buds A-Serial, nosotros'd assume the launch of these lower-cost earbuds are likely tied to the Pixel 5a'due south arrival. The clue would seem to be in the proper noun — Google appears to be making the A Series its moniker for lower cost products that deliver some of the capabilities of their pricier counterparts. So we'd await Google to make that pitch for both a phone and wireless earbuds at the same time.

Of course, Google could surprise us all and pull entirely different dates out of the hat for its upcoming product launches. They don't keep calling these "uncertain times" for naught, after all.

More: Google Pixel 6 and Pixel Fold institute in Android 12 beta

Philip Michaels is a senior editor at Tom's Guide. He has strong opinions well-nigh Apple, the Oakland Athletics and onetime movies. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.