This year, Google surprised the tech world by launching the Pixel 9 series in August rather than October. According to leaks, the budget-friendly Pixel 9a is also slated for an unusually early launch.
According to Android Headlines, Google plans to release the Pixel 9a as early as mid-March 2025. Traditionally, the Pixel A-series launches in May. According to multiple sources, pre-orders will begin in mid-March, followed by shipping and in-store availability before the month ends.
Many believe that Google used this accelerated timeline to get a jump on Apple’s iPhone 16 launch with the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9a may have a similar motivation, as it is expected to compete directly with the rumoured fourth-generation iPhone SE, which is expected to arrive around March or April. Google could get a head start or stay close to Apple’s schedule if it launches the Pixel 9a early.
According to the report, this early launch is not a one-off, but rather a permanent change to the Pixel A-series release schedule. We can also expect the Pixel 10a in March 2026.
Android 16 could be released much sooner than expected, perhaps by summer 2025, as we reported earlier this week. This would indicate that next year’s Pixel 10 series will also launch in the summer, following this year’s Pixel 9 series.
