Google's VP of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, has hinted that the Pixel 11 will cost more than its predecessor, the Pixel 10. In an interview with 9to5 Google, Barkat confirmed that the price increase is a result of global supply shortages driven by the skyrocketing demand for AI data centers.

‘RAMageddon,’ as it’s been dubbed, has hit tech companies hard, forcing even stalwarts like Apple and Microsoft to adjust their pricing strategies. The Pixel 11 will now come with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB for a base price of $899, with the Pro model rumored to drop from 16GB to 12GB of RAM.

While the price hike is understandable, consumers might be asking themselves if Google can still offer value. The company has tried to shield its customers as long as possible, but the fundamental shift in economics means that Pixel users will now have to pay more for their devices.

The announcement comes on the heels of Google's scheduled launch on August 12th, likely bringing with it a mix of excitement and apprehension among tech enthusiasts. Will the increased cost be justified by the performance gains, or will it deter potential buyers in an increasingly competitive market?