SAN FRANCISCO — Alphabet Inc. on Wednesday unveiled its Pixel 11 smartphone lineup, placing its most capable version of Gemini artificial intelligence at the core of the devices — weeks before Apple Inc. is expected to introduce a rebuilt Siri also powered by Google's AI models.
The new Pixel 11 series includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google's hardware strategy centers on Gemini Intelligence, a suite of AI features designed to understand user actions on the phone and execute tasks across applications.
Gemini Intelligence can pull data from messages, calendars, maps and other Google services, then suggest or carry out next steps — checking availability, comparing travel options or initiating a restaurant reservation. Google is also expanding AI features that run within the operating system, eliminating the need to open a separate chatbot.
Rick Osterloh, Google's devices chief, said AI could change how people interact with smartphones. He said minimal change occurred in laptop and mobile usage over the past 10 to 15 years, but that period is ending.
Osterloh described Gemini Intelligence as a new mode of computing interaction, one that allows users to complete tasks directly on the device rather than simply retrieve information.
Google now competes directly with one of its largest AI customers. Apple is rebuilding Siri using Google's Gemini models, with goals that mirror what Google showcases on Pixel devices — understanding personal context, recognizing on-screen activity and performing actions across apps.
Asked whether Pixel gives Google an early window to display its AI model before it reaches iPhone users, Osterloh said Pixel and iPhone are moving in distinct directions. He said Pixel's product strategy consistently leads with new technologies, particularly Gemini and AI.
Osterloh pointed to several features he said differentiate the Google experience: scam detection, its Rambler voice transcription technology and deeper Gemini integration across the Android operating system. He described these as unique to Android and Gemini Intelligence.
The central business question for both companies remains whether increasingly capable AI is enough to persuade consumers to buy new phones.
Osterloh said AI is not yet the primary reason people upgrade their devices, but its importance among consumers has risen sharply in recent years.
Counterpoint Research ranks AI around sixth or seventh among consumer reasons for upgrading a smartphone — but says it has climbed one to two positions in that ranking, showing growing influence on purchasing decisions.
