Google has not released a new tablet since 2019, but the company has signaled interest in building one
Google stopped making tablets after the Pixel Slate in 2019, which was widely criticized for its high price and software problems. For years, the company focused on phones and laptops instead. However, in 2022 and 2023, Google executives publicly discussed plans to return to tablets, and the company has filed patents for foldable tablet designs. Whether Google will actually release a consumer tablet remains uncertain — the company has announced tablet projects before without shipping them.
What we know is based on public statements from Google leaders, patent filings, and reports from tech journalists who cover the company. Google has not confirmed a release date or price for any upcoming tablet. The company's track record suggests that even if a tablet is in development, it could take years to reach stores, or it might be canceled before launch.
Key Takeaways
- Google has not made a tablet since the Pixel Slate in 2019, which was poorly received by reviewers and customers.
- Google executives have stated publicly that the company is interested in building tablets again, but no official product has been announced.
- Patent filings suggest Google is exploring foldable tablet designs, though patents do not may provide a product will be released.
- If Google does release a tablet, it would likely run Android and compete with iPads and Samsung tablets in the mid-to-premium price range.
- Google has canceled tablet projects in the past, so interest from leadership does not mean a tablet will definitely reach consumers.
What Google executives have said about tablets
In 2022, Google's senior vice president of devices and services, Rick Osterloh, told reporters that the company saw tablets as an important product category and wanted to build one. He acknowledged that the Pixel Slate had failed to meet expectations and said Google had learned from that experience. In subsequent interviews, Osterloh and other Google leaders repeated that tablets were part of the company's long-term hardware strategy.
These statements are significant because they represent a shift in company direction. For years after the Pixel Slate, Google had downplayed tablets and suggested that phones and laptops were more important. The public change in tone suggests that internal discussions about tablets have moved forward, but public statements alone do not mean a product is ready to ship. Companies often discuss product categories they are exploring without committing to a timeline or even a final decision to release anything.
Patent filings and design hints
Google has filed patents for tablet designs, including some that describe foldable screens. These patents show concepts for devices that could fold in half, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Patent filings are one way companies protect intellectual property for ideas they are developing, but they are not proof that a product will be released. Many patents never become real products.
The foldable tablet concept makes sense for Google because it would differentiate a new tablet from iPads and Samsung tablets, which use traditional flat screens. A foldable design could also appeal to people who want a device that is smaller when folded but larger when opened. However, foldable screens are expensive to manufacture and have had durability issues in early versions, so a foldable Google tablet would likely cost significantly more than a standard tablet.
Why Google abandoned tablets in the first place
The Pixel Slate launched in 2019 at a starting price of $599 and went up to $1,599 for the highest-end model. Reviewers criticized it for being slow, having software bugs, and not offering clear advantages over cheaper iPads or Windows laptops. The device was also heavier and less portable than competitors. Google discontinued it within a year, and the company stopped investing in tablet hardware.
The failure of the Pixel Slate taught Google that straightforward building a tablet with high-end specs was not enough. Customers wanted either a lower price, a unique feature that justified the cost, or both. If Google does release a new tablet, it will likely need to address these lessons — either by pricing it competitively against iPads, or by including a feature like a foldable screen that sets it apart.
How a Google tablet would compete with iPads and Samsung tablets
Any new Google tablet would run Android, the same operating system that powers Google phones. Android tablets have struggled to gain market share against iPads, which dominate the tablet market. iPads are known for their app ecosystem, long battery life, and consistent performance. Samsung tablets offer similar features at lower prices. A Google tablet would need to compete on one or more of these fronts.
Google's advantage would be deep integration with its own services — Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and others. A Google tablet could also include exclusive features that tie into Google's hardware ecosystem, such as seamless handoff between a Pixel phone and a Pixel tablet. However, these advantages alone have not been enough to make Android tablets popular in the past. Google would need to either price the tablet significantly lower than an iPad, or offer a feature that iPad users cannot get elsewhere.
Timeline and what to expect
Google has not announced a release date for any tablet. Based on the company's past product cycles, if a tablet is currently in development, it could take one to three years to reach stores. Google typically announces new hardware in the fall, so if the company plans to release a tablet soon, an announcement would likely come at the annual Google hardware event in October or November.
It is also possible that Google will decide not to release a tablet at all. The company has canceled hardware projects before, even after public statements about interest. The decision to move forward would depend on whether Google's engineers can solve the technical and design challenges, and whether the company believes it can build a tablet that will sell in meaningful numbers.
What you can do if you want a tablet now
If you are looking to purchase a tablet today, you do not need to wait for a potential Google tablet. iPads remain the most popular choice and offer a wide range of models at different price points, from the basic iPad starting around $329 to the iPad Pro at $1,099 and up. Samsung tablets are another solid option, with models like the Galaxy Tab S9 offering good performance at mid-range prices.
If you specifically want a tablet that integrates well with Google services and Android phones, Samsung tablets work well with Google's ecosystem. You can use Google Drive, Gmail, and other Google apps on any Android tablet. The experience is not as tightly integrated as it would be on a Google-branded tablet, but it is functional and available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Google release a tablet?
Google has not announced a release date. The company has stated interest in building tablets, but no official product or timeline has been confirmed. If a tablet is in development, it could take one to three years to reach stores.
Will a Google tablet be expensive?
That depends on what Google builds. The Pixel Slate cost $599 to $1,599, which was expensive compared to iPads at the time. A new Google tablet would likely be priced to compete with iPads and Samsung tablets, which range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the model and features.
What operating system would a Google tablet run?
A Google tablet would almost certainly run Android, the same operating system that powers Google phones and most other non-Apple tablets. Google could customize Android specifically for tablets, which would improve the experience compared to current Android tablets.
Would a Google tablet work with my Pixel phone?
Yes, a Google tablet would work with a Pixel phone because both would run Google's software. You could use the same Google account on both devices and sync photos, documents, and other data. Google would likely build features to make the two devices work together seamlessly.
Should I wait for a Google tablet or buy one now?
If you need a tablet in the next few months, buying now makes sense. If Google does release a tablet, it will likely take at least a year or more. Waiting for an unannounced product means going without a tablet for an uncertain amount of time.