Google LLC Raises Pixel 11 Prices Amid Global RAM Crisis

Google LLC will increase prices for its upcoming Pixel 11 smartphone series and Pixel Watch lineup due to a global RAM memory crisis. Shakil Barkat, Vice President of Devices and Services, cited Morgan Stanley data showing the cost of 1GB of RAM jumped from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 in 2026. Barkat attributed the shortage to a supplier-driven crisis fueled by the rapid growth of AI data centers, stating the company can no longer absorb these volatile costs.

While official pricing will be revealed at the Made by Google event on August 12, 2026, leaks indicate base prices for the Pixel 11, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold may increase by $100 or €100. The base Pixel 11 model is expected to start at $899. Barkat also warned that mid-cycle price adjustments could impact existing mid-range hardware, such as the Pixel 10a.

To mitigate the costs, the company may increase base storage from 128GB to 256GB for the Pixel 11 and potentially reduce RAM in Pro models from 16GB to 12GB. Google is pursuing a dedicated effort to make Android more RAM-efficient to maintain performance for AI workloads with lower memory configurations. The company plans to offer trade-in deals and Google One bundles to maintain consumer accessibility.