Google in 2025: Everything we expect to launch [Video]

While you could say this about every single year, 2024 was a big year for Google, but 2025 promises to be even bigger – here’s just what we expect to launch, plus a few extras we hope to see.

Google hasn’t been in the hardware game quite as long as some of the other major tech brands, but the Mountain View firm has a growing portfolio that covers the main consumer tech bases. It all started with streaming hardware and now encompasses smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and more in-between.

From smartphones to tablets to the software running on over 50% of the world’s smartphones. There’s a lot to contend with, and there are a few bankers:

Android 16 + Android 16.1

This is a nailed-on, 100% happening software release that has been confirmed to arrive in a couple of phases. The Android 16 Developer Preview has already started, and the Beta phase is set to come soon.

We expect to see more AI integration into the core of Android, but it’s tough to decipher what deeper Gemini additions to the OS look like. Google confirmed that we are getting two releases for Android 16, with the first launch in Q2 2025. This is a major SDK release, followed by a minor SDK release in Q4 2025.

Major updates and overhauls have been lacking in the developer preview phase, but that doesn’t mean changes are non-existent. Lots of changes are coming, but it’s not 100% clear where Google is going to make the most alterations. If Gemini is going to be used at the core of the system, it could be fluid or integrate other projects into areas like the camera or accessibility functions – like Project Astra. Some might even take AI Summaries of notifications like iOS 18 has but with more attention to the little details.

Chromecast follow-up

At least officially, the Chromecast is dead. Well, maybe only by name. Google is still pushing updates and the official storefront is shifting inventory, but the hardware is now discontinued and will become harder to get hold of as stock dwindles.

The future belongs to the Google TV Streamer, but at $99 it’s not quite as accessible as the ubiquitous Chromecast streaming dongle. There is room in the product lineup for a cheaper streamer that has the upgrades on the TV Streamer, but with a slightly different design but a cheaper 1080p model might suffice for many people. It’s far from confirmed, but we wouldn’t be too shocked if we did get a proper Chromecast replacement from Google at some point in 2025.

Pixel 9a

This is another one of those nailed-on releases that will follow the well-worn path of previous A-series Pixel phones and distill down the good bits into more wallet-friendly pricing. Last year, we saw the Pixel 8a strike a confusing balance, and while it’s unlikely, this could be a nice send-off for the Pixel A-series if done correctly.

There is a lot of information out there already, and we know the Pixel 9a will be powered by the Tensor G4 SoC, which is set to be paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and would be using the Titan M2 security chip just like existing Pixel devices. The display, meanwhile, measures 6.3 inches, and it’ll come with a peak brightness of 1,700 nits, or 2,700 nits for HDR content, with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The dual camera is getting a change from 64MP to 48MP GN8 Samsung sensor plus the 13MP ultrawide we know from the 8a and older. There’s a 5,100mAh battery with 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The price? It’s set to stick to the $499 level we saw with the Pixel 8a. So a fairly solid phone given the proposed specs and it’ll have the updated boxy Pixel 9 aesthetic.

Gemini 3.0

Gemini 2.0 has just dropped, but it’s still experimental and has not been used in every instance of the artificial intelligence helper yet. Given Google’s huge investment and push to put Gemini practically everywhere alongside the platform’s ongoing developments, it wouldn’t be a huge leap to expect to see Gemini 3.0 drop at some point in 2025.

AI is still the hot tech, and with lots of Google platforms already stuffing Gemini in, like Android TV, Nest hardware, and Android, we can foresee more developments and builds to help keep the AI ball rolling throughout the year.

Nest speakers/display

It has been four years since we saw new Nest Hub hardware and five years since the Nest Audio was officially unveiled alongside the Pixel 5. Technically, that isn’t true, as the Pixel Tablet, when paired with its charging hub, acts as a big Nest Hub of sorts. However, it isn’t quite the same product and has some limitations due to the fact that it merely acts as a smart display in a similar manner to how Pixel phones work with the Pixel Stand charger.

There are lots of reasons why people need a follow-up, but with Gemini slowly starting to bleed into more areas of the existing Google product portfolio, a smart speaker or smart display tailored to work with Gemini would be a very enticing upgrade and something that feels like the next obvious step for the hardware lineup.

Pixel 10 series

Lots of long-time Pixel fans have high hopes for the Pixel 10 lineup. The long-awaited shift away from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the Tensor lineup is coming. That alone might see big performance uplifts, but beyond those specifics, we only have codenames for the lineup and an expected August 2025 launch timeframe.

The Pixel 10, or “Frankel,” is going to be our base model for this year. There’s the Pixel 10 Pro or “Blazer” and Pixel 10 Pro XL AKA “Mustang.” The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is codenamed “Rango.”

At least at the time of writing, there hasn’t been much by way of design leaks. It could be that we’re getting another minor facelift this time around, which seems like it would be fine given the major shift away from bubbly, soft corners to a boxier, flatter aesthetic.

Pixel Buds A-series follow-up

The Pixel Buds Pro has a new version, but we don’t have a new pair of Pixel Buds A-series…yet. Maybe 2025 is the year that Google provides a sub-$100 follow-up for those looking to get a cheap Pixel experience without missing out on neat features. It has been several years since the Pixel Buds A-series were unveiled, since then we’ve had a few limited colorways hit the Google Store but crickets on an improved pair of wireless earbuds.

Even if Google were to take the original Pixel Buds Pro parts and shove into a new shape, that probably would be a huge win. That said, that isn’t Google’s usual style so we would love to see an updated pair of A-series earbuds in any format.

Pixel Watch 4

With the successful launch of the Pixel Watch 3, we at least know there is room in the lineup for a smaller and a larger watch. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is one of the most improved, finally making good on several of the promises the first- and second-gen models set out to make.

We’d expect Google to bring an updated smartwatch to market when the Pixel 10 series is unveiled, but it’ll likely stick to the current design style with maybe a new chipset and integration with the hybrid interface that we’ve seen on the OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R. This could enable multi-day battery life no matter which model you prefer.

Things we hope to see Google launch in 2025

It’s not every year that we get surprise launches or releases. A lot of Google’s launches are easy to track, but we’re hopeful that a few tricks are up some sleeves, and we finally see updates for products that might not get many headlines.

Google UWB trackers

There has been no sign of the “grogu” UWB trackers since Google officially launched the enhanced Find My Device network. Maybe there are valid security and privacy concerns that have effectively halted the product from ever coming to market, but it would be a great alternative to the current small pool of options from the likes of Chipolo and Pebblebee. It might be harsh, but at the moment, many Android trackers are poor AirTag alternatives for Android buyers right now.

Updated Pixelbook

This is the pipedream addition. There has been barely a single shred of evidence that Google is working on a Pixelbook, but boy would it be amazing to see some new hardware. The Pixelbook Go is the last official Chrome OS hardware from Google – and it’s almost 6 years old. We’d love an update that pairs high-end internals with a refreshed design, but there’s no evidence that this might happen.

Android XR hardware

From the official announcement and hands-on sessions, there is no indication that Google is going to launch first-party AR headsets this year. Even so, there is a possibility, however slim.

We could see something a few years down the line rather than in 2025, but a Google or Pixel Android XR-powered headset would be high on our wishlists for the year. Samsung is likely going to lead the way with the Moohan developer kit and working closely with Google means we should see more enhancements as the project builds momentum.

What do you want to see from Google in 2025?

Have any hopes and dreams for a specific hardware or software product launch from the big ‘G’ this year? Let us know down in the comments section below.