Google Pixel 8a has been submitted for the United States FCC approval

Google has taken a key step towards the launch of its next highly anticipated phone. As per reports, the Google Pixel 8a has been submitted for approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a vital step for any wireless device before it can be sold in the United States.

The FCC’s role is to ensure that electronic devices comply with regulations concerning radio frequency emissions and consumer safety. Manufacturers seeking FCC approval must submit their devices for testing, and if they pass, can then be legally marketed and sold. This process helps to prevent interference between different wireless devices and protects users from potential health risks.

For companies like Google, FCC filings often serve as a precursor to official announcements. By submitting devices for testing ahead of launch, companies can avoid delays caused by last-minute regulatory hurdles. Additionally, the FCC’s database can offer clues about upcoming products, as was the case here.

On March 18, 2024, four new Google phone models appeared in the FCC database under the model numbers G8HHN, GKV4X, G6GPR, and G576D. The accompanying paperwork classified all four devices as phones and designated them as variants of each other. This practice is common for smartphone manufacturers, who often develop slight variations for different markets or carriers.

The timing of the FCC filing, coupled with Google’s historical launch window for its mid-range Pixel phones, strongly suggests that these entries represent the Pixel 8a. This aligns with previous leaks that have revealed glimpses of the phone’s design and packaging. Notably, a leaked image of the Pixel 8a box displayed the model number G6GPR, further solidifying the connection between the FCC filings and the upcoming device.

Based on past practices, we anticipate that Google will officially unveil the Pixel 8a during its annual I/O developer conference. The event, recently announced for May 14, 2024, has historically served as a platform for Google to showcase new hardware and software advancements. With the Google Pixel 8a now filled for FCC approval, all signs point towards an potential official reveal at Google I/O, giving everyone something exciting to look forward to this spring.