Google discontinues Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL less than a year after launch

It’s official. Google has pulled the plug on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL less than a year after their launch. The two flagships are no longer available on the Google Store, and the company will not be restocking them again.

A Google spokesperson issued the following statement to The Verge confirming the demise of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

Google Store has sold through its inventory and completed sales of Pixel 4 [and] 4 XL. For people who are still interested in buying Pixel 4 [and] 4 XL, the product is available from some partners while supplies last. Just like all Pixel devices, Pixel 4 will continue to get software and security updates for at least 3 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.

It’s shocking how early the Pixel 4 flagships got pulled from the shelves. In comparison, the Pixel 3 series was discontinued almost a year and a half after its launch in October 2018. Even the Pixel 3a that followed had a year-long run before it was put out to pasture.

So for the next few weeks, you won’t be able to buy a Pixel phone from the Google Store. You can only pre-order the Pixel 4a right now. Its open sales will start on August 20.

Google Pixel 4, 4 XL discontinued: Gone too soon?

The early death of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL could mean several things. Google may be planning to release the Pixel 5 soon, which is why the Pixel 4 has been discontinued right now. However, an official Google blog post recently revealed (by accident) an October launch date for the fifth generation Pixel so there’s that.

It’s also possible that the two Pixel 4 flagships didn’t clock enough sales and Google is just getting rid of them to focus consumer attention on its latest Pixel 4a mid-ranger. In May, it was reported that key Google players like Rick Osterloh are not too happy with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. We also saw some high-level executives quit the Pixel team that month, but the reasons for their exit weren’t clear at the time.

Nevertheless, Google has a pretty good mid-range phone on its hands with the Pixel 4a and that might be the way ahead for the company’s smartphone ambitions. Rumors suggest even the Pixel 5 will feature a mid-range chipset, so maybe Google is taking a break from traditional flagships.

Also read: Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel 4 (Man, it’s not even close)