Forget the Pixel 11, we've just got our first Pixel 12 leak; report says Pixel 10 to come with tele-macro capability

The tech world never sleeps, and it seems Google’s hardware plans are already stretching years into the future. While we’re still anticipating the Pixel 10 series, a fresh leak has supposedly pulled the curtain back on the codenames for the Pixel 12 lineup. Yes, the Pixel 12, not even the Pixel 11. In more immediate news, another report suggests this year’s Pixel 10 is set to receive a significant camera upgrade with the addition of a feature that’s becoming increasingly popular.

Pixel 12 codenames surface

It might feel like we’re getting way ahead of ourselves, but development for smartphones happens years before they ever see the light of day. So, it’s not entirely shocking that we’re already hearing whispers about the Pixel 12. A recent post by Mystic Leaks on Telegram (via 9to5Google) has revealed a list of alleged codenames for Google’s 2027 smartphone family.

If the leak holds true, the Pixel 12 lineup is themed around primates. The standard Pixel 12 is apparently codenamed “Galago.” The larger models get more imposing names, with the Pixel 12 Pro dubbed “Sasquatch” and a potential Pixel 12 Pro XL going by “Silverback.” This naming certainly fits the size difference. Rounding out the lineup is a foldable, allegedly named “Capuchin,” pointing to a Pixel 12 Pro Fold.

This leak is interesting not just for the names but because it suggests Google is planning to stick with its current four-device strategy for the foreseeable future. This includes a standard model, two “Pro” variants in different sizes, and a foldable.

Google has a long history of using themed codenames for its Pixel phones. We’ve seen birds for the Pixel 6, cats for the Pixel 7, dogs for the Pixel 8, and reptiles for the Pixel 9. The upcoming Pixel 10 is said to have horse-themed codenames, while the Pixel 11 is expected to follow a bear theme. The primate names for the Pixel 12 fit right into this established pattern. Of course, with these devices so far out, plans and even names could change.

Macro photography enthusiasts will love the Pixel 10

Looking at the much nearer future, an exclusive report from Android Headlines suggests a killer new feature for the Pixel 10’s camera system. The report claims Google will be adding tele-macro capability to its upcoming flagship.

So what exactly is tele-macro? Instead of using the ultrawide camera for close-up shots, which is the current standard, tele-macro utilizes the telephoto lens. This is a significant upgrade for a couple of key reasons.

First, telephoto lenses generally have better optics than ultrawide lenses, which can lead to sharper, higher-quality macro images. Second, using the telephoto lens allows you to be further away from your subject. This is a huge plus when you’re trying to photograph something skittish like an insect. It also helps prevent you and your phone from casting a shadow over what you’re trying to capture, a common frustration with macro photography that needs plenty of light.

Interestingly, Google isn’t expected to ditch the ultrawide macro function entirely. The new system will reportedly switch between the telephoto and ultrawide lenses depending on how close you are to the subject. This would give users the best of both worlds. This move follows a trend seen in other phones from manufacturers like Oppo and OnePlus.

The Pixel 10 is expected to be released in August and will ship with Google’s all-new Tensor G5 chipset that’s manufactured by TSMC. Apart from the camera upgrades, I also highlighted another leak yesterday which points towards the upcoming flagships getting significantly better speakers. So the Pixel 10 series might be the most improved Pixel series in recent years.