Google Pixelbook 2: Everything we know so far (Updated: May 1)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Chromebooks are more popular than ever in the tough-as-nails laptop market. With the success of Chrome OS growing and growing, it seems that 2023 could be the time we see a Google Pixelbook 2 finally land.

When the original Google Pixelbook launched in 2017, it was met with critical praise — as well as consumer scorn. Although the new Google laptop was a terrific piece of machinery, its $1,000 price tag and reliance on the then-unproven Chrome OS caused many consumers to balk.

However, times have changed. The premium Chromebook market is becoming solidified, so a Pixelbook 2 might actually fare better now than it would have in 2017.

Below, you’ll find everything we know so far about the supposed Pixelbook 2. Be sure to bookmark this page so you’ll always know the latest Pixelbook news!

Will there be a Pixelbook 2?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

This is probably the most basic question you might have: will there even be a Pixelbook 2? We actually expected Google to launch a Pixelbook sequel in 2019, and it kind of did: the Google Pixelbook Go. Of course, this wasn’t a true sequel to the 2017 Pixelbook.

Related: The best Google Chromebook for your needs

Google also previously launched the Google Pixel Slate, a Chrome OS tablet/hybrid akin to the Microsoft Surface. Obviously, that wasn’t a true follow-up to the Pixelbook either. However, the Pixel Slate didn’t fare well with audiences, and Google since abandoned tablets altogether.

With the end of the Pixel Slate line and the continuation of the Pixelbook name with the Pixelbook Go in 2019, it seems inevitable that there will be a Pixelbook 2 at some point in the future. The big question was whether or not it will happen in 2021. As of now, that seems unlikely. 2023 seems more of a possibility at this point. Especially given that the Pixelbook 2 didn’t land at the Pixel Fall Launch event Google had in October 2021, and that a Google manager has confirmed that there won’t be a Pixelbook 2 launch in 2022.

Regardless, Google discontinued sales of the original Pixelbook in September 2020. It’s time for a sequel, even though it seems like it may take some time to arrive.

Google Pixelbook 2 release date

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

For reference, Google launched the original Pixelbook at this event in October 2017. It then launched the Pixel Slate at the 2018 iteration and then the Pixelbook Go at the 2019 event. Therefore, it made sense to assume that we’d see the upcoming Pixelbook at the same event in 2020, or at least 2021.

As with everything else, it’s very possible the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into those plans in 2020. However, now that Google has skipped the 2021 release for the sequel as well, we’re unsure what could have been causing these delays. Recently, a Google manager confirmed that there are no plans for a Google Pixelbook 2 in 2021 or 2022. The manager did not confirm a 2023 launch per se.

The direct quote was: “Next year there won’t be anything coming. In the future, I don’t know.” While it may seem like all hope is lost, it’s unlikely that Google will abandon this lineup, so we expect a 2023 release for the Pixelbook 2.

Features, specs, and design

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

One of the most distinctive aspects of the original Pixelbook was its 3:2 touchscreen display. Most laptops have 16:9 displays, so this immediately sets the Pixelbook out from the pack. Will the Pixelbook 2 also have this aspect ratio?

The jury is still out on that, but our guess would be no. The reason we say that is the Pixelbook Go — the most recent Pixel-branded laptop — has a 16:9 display. Also, the Pixel Slate’s tepid response from consumers might have been a sign that 3:2 isn’t what people want. Additionally, no other major laptop line adopted the 3:2 design, so Google may abandon the 3:2 novelty just for the sake of staying competitive.

Related: Google Pixel Slate review: Overpriced convenience

The new Pixelbook will almost certainly be a high-end machine, though, with premium build materials and a strong spec sheet. Stylus support is also pretty much a given, and it wouldn’t be surprising if some newer technologies come standard with the Pixelbook 2, such as Wi-Fi 6 support, Thunderbolt 3 support, etc.

There’s also the question of the processor. The Pixel 6 phones come with a new Google-made CPU called Tensor. Could Google pull an Apple and use this same chipset in a new Pixelbook? It seems totally plausible, and we even have evidence to suggest that’s in the cards.

We also saw a leak from @AppleLe257 back in November 2021, with allegedly official renders of the Pixelbook 2. The leak shows the Pixelbook 2 in color options of orange, green, yellow, blue, and pink. The leaker also confirmed a 13.3-inch display and Google Tensor for the Pixelbook 2. We don’t know how accurate this leak is, but if it is, then the likelihood of the Pixelbook 2 arriving in 2023 is strong.

Finally, it wouldn’t be surprising if the next Pixelbook is designed to work well with Google Stadia, which could influence various aspects of the design and specs. This would also back up our theory that the Pixelbook 2 might have a 16:9 (or maybe 16:10) display, as this would be key for gaming.

Google Pixelbook 2 price

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

As we stated at the beginning of this article, the original Pixelbook faced harsh criticism for its $1,000 price tag (as did the high pricing of the Pixel Slate). With that in mind, you’d think Google would try to make the entry price lower for the Pixelbook 2.

Related: The best Chromebook deals you can get right now

Unfortunately, Google usually doesn’t operate in that fashion. If it wants the Pixelbook series to be seen as the premium flagship for Chrome OS, then the Pixelbook 2 will almost certainly stick to the four-digit price range. This theory is backed up by the existence of the Pixelbook Go. We can now point to the Go as the “cheap” way to get a Pixelbook.

That being said, it appears Google has finally seen the light when it comes to the high pricing of Pixel smartphones. The Google Pixel 5 came in at a much lower starting price than the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3. The Pixel 6 is also well-priced for what it offers. Therefore, it is possible — however unlikely — that Google could lower the price of a future Pixelbook 2. We’re not betting on it, though.

Until we hear differently, we’re going to assume the Pixelbook 2 will cost $1,000 or more at launch.

That’s everything we know so far about the Pixelbook 2! Be sure to bookmark this page so you can stay posted on the latest updates.

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