In a surprising twist, Google’s rumored Pixel Tablet 2, not the Pixel Tablet 3, has reportedly been shelved. This new development comes after initial reports claimed that Google was scrapping the Pixel Tablet 3 and potentially exiting the tablet market altogether. Now, it seems the narrative has shifted, leaving us with more questions than answers.
The Pixel Tablet 2 Axed
According to the latest information, the Pixel Tablet 2, which was rumored to come with a first-party keyboard case and the Tensor G4 SoC, has been quietly canceled. Originally planned for a 2024 release, the tablet was expected to be offered in both Wi-Fi-only and 5G variants, aiming to cater to a broad audience.
However, internal concerns about profitability reportedly led to Google pulling the plug. This raises a critical question: is Google struggling to make its tablet line financially viable?
What About the Pixel Tablet 3?
The plot thickens when we consider the future of the Pixel Tablet 3. Could Google rebrand the third-generation device as the Pixel Tablet 2 to streamline its lineup and salvage its tablet strategy? Or has the company decided that the original Pixel Tablet, launched earlier this year, will mark the end of its tablet journey?
At this point, Google’s intentions remain unclear. With no official confirmation, speculation is rampant about whether the company will persevere in the tablet space or bow out, citing financial risks.
The High Stakes for Google
Google’s decision to cancel the Pixel Tablet 2 reportedly stems from fears of financial losses—a concern that echoes the company’s previous struggles with hardware profitability. Despite the tablet being powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chipset, which is designed for high performance and efficiency, it seems the projected costs didn’t align with market expectations.
The inclusion of a first-party keyboard case also hinted at a more productivity-focused approach for the Pixel Tablet 2, potentially positioning it as a competitor to devices like the iPad Pro. Yet, the combination of rising development costs and market risks might have proven too daunting for Google to proceed.
What’s Next for Google’s Tablet Vision?
This uncertainty leaves the Pixel Tablet lineup in limbo. If Google decides to move forward with the Pixel Tablet 3, it will need to address concerns about profitability while delivering a device that can truly compete in the crowded tablet market. Alternatively, this could mark the end of Google’s tablet ambitions—another chapter in its tumultuous hardware history.
