Google has admitted that demand for the new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones "exceeded" its expectations.
The new Google Pixel smartphones have proved extremely popular, with several models of both the Pixel and Pixel XL now unavailable to buy on the Google Store. Four different variants are now listed as ‘out of stock’ in the UK, with no apparent re-stocking date listed. The handsets became available for pre-order on October 4, and officially went on sale on October 20, just five days ago.
But demand has seemingly been rampant, which has left many users unable to purchase their chosen device. In a statement, Google said:
“We’re thrilled to see the excitement for our new Pixel phones, and frankly pre-order demand exceeded our expectations. We’re looking to restock our inventory as soon as possible.”
At the time of writing, here are device stock listings on the UK Google Store:
Pixel Silver 32GB – Out of stockPixel Silver 128GB – Out of stockPixel Black 32GB – In stockPixel Black 128GB – Out of stockPixel XL Silver 32GB – Out of stockPixel XL Silver 128GB – In stockPixel XL Black 32GB – In stockPixel XL Black 128GB – Out of stock
Many users who have already bought a phone are reporting that their delivery estimates have been missed. And recent buyers have been told by Google that they may have to wait until mid-November to receive their Pixel phone. Speaking to 9to5google, a customer service representative said that the “shipping department is running three weeks behind”.
Google unveiled the new Pixel smartphones on October 4, launching the handsets under the new ‘Made by Google’ banner. The phones serve as a replacement to the old Nexus series of handsets, and are purportedly entirely designed by Google (although HTC manufactured them). Features include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 821 chip and Google’s latest Android 7.1 Nougat OS.
