Pixel 5a release date: CEO Sundar Pichai hints at ‘significant products’ to be announced at Google I/O in May

Following the late releases of the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 phones last year, many are not expecting to see the Pixel 5a unveiled next month. However, Google CEO Sundar Pichai may have hinted at the possibility of more product announcements slated for the Google I/O conference.

Pixel 5a may be announced at Google I/O after all

In Pichai’s remarks for the Alphabet Q1 2021 earnings call, the Google executive briefly discussed what could be expected at the upcoming I/O conference in May. It is widely anticipated to feature announcements primarily about Google’s upcoming software offerings. However, there could be a chance for new Pixel devices to be included in the three-day event.

“Our product releases are returning to a regular cadence,” Pichai said. “We’ll have significant product updates and announcements, and I invite you all to tune in.” This has immediately sparked speculations that anticipated devices, such as the Pixel 5a, could be part of the Google I/O conference program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced major tech companies to go through major adjustments last year in terms of workplace arrangements and product shipments. In Google’s case, the mid-range Pixel phone was launched in August following the cancellation of Google I/O last year.

Google confirmed its plans to release Pixel 5a this year to deny previous rumors that the device has been removed from the pipeline. At the time, however, the company said it will be announced, “in line with when last year’s a-series phone was introduced.” That seems to suggest that the device will be launched in August, similar to its predecessor.

On the other hand, Google may announce the Pixel 5a next month but keep its retail launch at a later time. Last year, the lone Pixel 5 was confirmed in August, but it did not arrive in stores until late September.

Google I/O is coming back virtually -- for free -- this year

The Google I/O used to be an event mainly aimed at developers, so registration for the conference did not come cheap. With its return this year, the company is changing the conference’s format as it will not have in-person attendance and will be “free for everyone.”

Developers worldwide remain the main target audience for Google I/O on May 18-20. While registration is open for everyone, a Google Developer profile is needed to acquire a badge for the conference.

Featured photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash