Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 8a at its annual I/O event next month, but smartphone enthusiasts are already looking forward to the Google Pixel 9 Series in the fall. The vanilla Pixel 9 was recently unveiled with a new set of CAD-based renders, and a new leak suggests that Google may have big plans for its flagship smartphone series this year.
The tech giant will reportedly add satellite connectivity to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature and is said to be included in the Pixel Fold 2 and 5G-ready Pixel tablets.
In a report for Android Authority, citing Google officials, prominent consultant Kamila Wojciechowska said that the Google Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 chipset will feature the new Samsung 5400 modem, offering “high speed and power efficiency” with the 5300 modem from Samsung is combined. Powered by SoC Tensor G3 Pixel 8. Apparently, the new modem features an updated software stack to improve stability.
This means that the Pixel 9 series supports a native Android satellite implementation with Android 15 for the first time. Apparently the feature will initially be offered by T-Mobile in collaboration with SpaceX. Additional providers may be added later.
Google’s Pixel Fold 2 is also expected to run on the brand new Tensor G4 chipset that will debut in the Pixel 9 series. Additionally, the company is reportedly developing a 5G tablet codenamed “Clementine” with the same chipset and modem.
Therefore, it is expected that these two devices will have a new satellite connection. The satellite connection will reportedly enable text messaging. In addition, the dedicated “Satellite Gateway” application allows you to easily communicate with emergency services through a feature called “Emergency SOS”.
Additionally, the report states that users are asked basic questions to identify emergencies. Users may have the ability to notify emergency contacts or send messages to emergency services to receive assistance. Questions can also have predefined answers that you can select to speed up the process.
Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 9 series in October. The device is expected to run on Android 15 and is an upgrade over last year’s Pixel 8 series.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.