Google's next affordable phone may already be in development, even before the company officially unveils its flagship Pixel 11 series. The codename for the Google Pixel 11a is now in the latest beta version of the Phone by Google app; it means that work on the next-generation A-series handset is well underway.
The news has excited Pixel fans and makes Google’s low price model look like it is about to come back with a cheaper alternative to the Android flagship.
Codename 'Formosan' Spotted
According to Android Authority, the codename Formosan has been identified in the latest beta release of the Phone by Google application.
Google often uses internal codenames for devices during development, and these names often surface in software builds months before a product is officially announced. The company has not confirmed the finding, but industry experts say Formosan is likely to be associated with the upcoming Google Pixel 11a.
The codename of Google indicates that it has already started software development and internal testing for the smartphone.
Leak Arrives Ahead of Pixel 11 Launch
The timing of the leak is particularly noteworthy.
Google is expected to show off its next flagship smartphones at its annual Made by Google event on August 12.
The expected lineup includes:
Google Pixel 11
Google Pixel 11 Pro
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Although the Pixel 11a is not going to launch alongside these premium devices, the leak suggests that development is progressing in parallel.
Google's A-series smartphones have been released several months after the Pixel phones and have many of the best features at a much lower price.
What can you expect from Pixel 11a?
At this stage, Google has not revealed any specifications for the Pixel 11a.
However, based on previous A-series devices, the smartphone is expected to feature:
A Tensor-series chipset based on the Pixel 11 platform.
Google's AI-powered software features.
Excellent computational photography.
A clean Android experience.
Long-term software and security updates.
Competitive mid-range pricing.
The Pixel A-series has built its reputation for high-quality camera performance and Google’s new software improvements at a lower price than flagship models.
Why the Leak Matters
So discoveries like this often provide early insight into Google's product roadmap.
Software beta versions often contain references to unreleased hardware in the software beta version which enables developers and technology enthusiasts to know what devices are coming before any official announcement of them.
Not only do internal codenames mean no launch date or final specifications are known, but they also often show that the product is in active development.
Official Confirmation Still Awaited
However, Google has not confirmed the Pixel 11a.
The reported codename discovery should therefore be seen as an early leak rather than as a confirmation of the features or launch date of the device.
More details are expected to emerge at the Made by Google event, where we will concentrate on the flagship Pixel 11 family.
If Google’s previous release strategy continues, the Pixel 11a could arrive sometime in the months following the flagship launch, offering users an affordable entry point into the Pixel ecosystem with many of the same AI-powered capabilities.
Until then, the codename "Formosan" has given Pixel fans a glimpse into what could be Google's next budget-friendly smartphone.
