Google Pixel ‘attack’ plan: 13 million phones in 2026, ending China production next year

A recent report reveals Google's ambitious plans to phase out production in China by next year and sell approximately 13 million Pixel phones in 2026. According to Nikkei Asia, the tech giant is shifting its manufacturing efforts to Vietnam and India. Earlier this year, it was reported that Google would primarily cease operations in China by 2026.

However, this latest update indicates that Google will transfer production of all Pixel smartphones, watches, and wireless earbuds outside of China by 2027. These efforts have been in motion for several years, with the Pixel 11 series being developed and manufactured entirely in Vietnam, providing Google with the assurance to move the rest of its device line out of China in 2027.

The report highlights that Google's Pixel phones shipped around 12 million units in 2025, with ambitions to boost this number by 8-10% this year, totaling approximately 13 million. This growth comes despite the ongoing "RAMageddon" crisis, which has led to soaring costs and price increases for Google's latest Pixel 11 series. To mitigate this issue, Google has been bundling orders for Pixel components with those from its cloud business to strengthen its negotiating power.

A source familiar with Google's strategy expressed that the company's approach for Pixel in 2026 is to "attack" and grow "at all costs." The focus for this year's Pixel phone is to maintain its shipment growth momentum at all costs.