Google has officially confirmed that the entire Pixel 11 family will see price increases due to a severe RAM memory crisis. In an exclusive interview with 9to5Google, Shakil Barkat, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, explained how the company is facing an unprecedented surge in memory component costs. Barkat noted that the price of 1 GB of RAM has risen from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 this year, a sixfold increase according to Morgan Stanley data.
The RAM crisis impact on Pixel 11 pricing
Barkat emphasized that Google has shielded consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible, but the economics have fundamentally shifted. Consequently, the entire Pixel lineup will see dynamic price adjustments to match supply realities. While specific details will be announced on August 12, recent leaks suggest the base Pixel 11 Pro will drop from 16 GB to 12 GB of RAM, and the starting price for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro is expected to rise by about $100, partially offset by doubling storage to 256 GB. However, the Pro XL and Pro Fold models may see a straightforward $100 increase.
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Google's dedicated Android RAM efficiency effort
Beyond passing on supplier costs, Google is actively working to reduce memory requirements across Android. Barkat revealed a dedicated effort to optimize the operating system and app ecosystem, enabling devices to run with less RAM while maintaining a great user experience. This approach leverages Google's full stack AI, software, and custom silicon to efficiently load and execute on-device models. The news comes as competitors like Windows 11 26H2 introduce similar features to optimize system resources.
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Consumer advice and future outlook
Google also confirmed that prices for in-market Pixel phones, including the Pixel 10a which is still mid-cycle, may increase. The company has not specified when adjustments will occur but advises prospective buyers to purchase sooner rather than later. Despite the hikes, Google promises to maintain accessible value through promotions, trade-in offers, and bundles like Google One. For those interested, other weekend deals may offer alternatives. The RAM crisis, documented on Wikipedia, highlights a global trend affecting all consumer electronics manufacturers.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/07/24/google-pixel-11-price-increase
