Pixel 6 launch date just tipped by Google's own app

Google Pixel 6
(Image credit: Google)

More evidence of a possible release date for the Google Pixel 6 has been found within Google's own camera app.

XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman posted on Twitter (via Notebookcheck) that he'd found the date flag "10-27-2021" relating to a mandatory update that Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users will have to download on or after this day. No other Pixels are marked to download this update, Rahman adds.

This arguably fits in with older rumors. Leaker Jon Prosser has claimed that Google will unveil the Pixel 6 on October 19, with the phone going on sale on October 27. That's also the theory that Rahman subscribes to. 

It certainly wouldn't surprise us if Google shows off its new Pixel in October, simply because every other flagship Pixel phone has been announced during that same month.

As with last year, Google has already revealed a few juicy details about its new phone long before the expected reveal event. There are several big changes on the way for the Pixel 6, including a large 6.4-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate and a new Pro model with a larger 6.7-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate. Both versions will also have a fresh design, including a unique camera bar on the back, and will run on Google's first proprietary chip design, named Tensor.

There have still been more leaks to fill in the gaps, however. For cameras, we're expecting the standard Pixel 6 to use 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide rear sensors. The Pixel 6 Pro is thought to be adding a 48MP telephoto camera to that, making for the most cameras ever on a Pixel phone. 

The phones' batteries are also tipped for a big expansion: the Pixel 6 is believed to be getting a 4,614 mAh cell and the Pixel 6 Pro a 5,000 mAh battery, with 30W fast charging for both.

Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

Read more
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a specs just fully leaked ahead of iPhone 16E launch
Google Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 9a launch date just tipped — here’s what we know
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 leak could be good news for all Android phones
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review.
Google Pixel 11 Pro leaks on the day Samsung set to unveil Galaxy S25 Ultra
google pixel 9 review shots of phone
Google Pixel 10 — biggest rumors and what we want to see
Google Pixel 5 review
Google Pixel 10 lineup leaked in new renderings — here's what they look like
Latest in Google Phones
CAD renders of the Google Pixel 10
Pixel 10 could include a repurposed ‘Pixie’ assistant — but what actually happened?
Google Pixel 9 with Amazon Spring Sale deal tag
The Google Pixel 9 is at its lowest price ever for Amazon Spring Sale — 30% off now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Thursday, March 27 (#655)
The Signal app logo displayed on an iPhone, with a screenshot of the Signal app in use displayed on a monitor in the background.
Signal — everything you need to know about the app at the center of the group chat scandal
Robert Downey Jr. revealed as Doctor Doom for "Avengers: Doomsday"
Marvel reveals 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting — the latest updates and every actor
Wyze Cam v3
Wyze adds AI-powered filter to its security cameras to cut down on notifications that are “no big deal”
Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) as Invincible in his blue suit during a scene from "Invincible" season 3 on Prime Video.
'Invincible' season 4 release window just announced — here's when it's coming
Microsoft Copilot app running on a phone with Microsoft logo in background
Microsoft 365 Copilot debuts new research tools for work: here's what that means