First Google Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 details leak including potential first foldable Pixel

Historically, Google hasn’t been very successful at keeping a lid on its Pixel phone plans - last year it even leaked its Pixel 4 months in advance deliberately such is its inability to keep a lid on things. This time, however, it has outdone itself. An internal document has found its way into the hands of 9to5Google revealing not only the existence and codenames of the Pixel 6, 6 XL and Pixel 5a, but also plans for Google’s first foldable Pixel -- unbelievably, the leaked devices stretch out over a period close to 15 months.

According to 9to5Google, the document reveals the software builds for already released smartphones as well as several unreleased models currently in development. Codenames for the unannounced and therefore unreleased models includes: “barbette” (Pixel 5a); “raven” (Pixel 6); “oriole” (Pixel 6 XL), while the third, “passport” is specifically identified in the documentation as a “foldable.” All of these models have a Q4 2021 timeframe, which aligns with Google’s typical launch window for its flagship models.

Of course, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Google is indeed working on forthcoming Pixel models, but it is a surprise that these types of details have leaked out so early. Of course, the foldable Pixel is perhaps the most intriguing. Google has publicly acknowledged that it has been prototyping the technology, but this is the first evidence it is working towards a release. One can only speculate about its form factor, but the most obvious choice would be something akin to the Galaxy Flip and Motorola Razr.