Skip to main content

Google’s Pixel 6 features new Pixel Pass subscription service to rival Apple One

Google is reportedly working on Pixel Pass, a subscription service for the most ardent Google superfans, according to tech YouTuber, Brandon Lee. From the description of the purported Pixel Pass, this is a financing option where Google offers users a fixed price to pay for a Pixel phone and a bundle of Google services all at once.

The concept recalls both Apple One and Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, a service where Apple enthusiasts can purchase a bundle of all Apple services, from Apple News+ and Apple TV to Apple Music. This would do the same type of thing, bundling in YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass, Google Fi, and a Pixel phone to boot. There’s also an extended warranty option with Preferred Care or Device Protection for those who want peace of mind. It’s likely to be a U.S. exclusive, especially with the inclusion of a Fi subscription, but that’s not been definitively confirmed.

Google Pixel 6 Stand.
Evan Blass

While phone contracts have faded away in name, Google’s Pixel Pass continues the trend of phone makers and carriers alike offering financing for smartphone purchases, allowing buyers to spread their purchases out over a fixed period. The promise and convenience of regular upgrades (provided a trade-in is approved and completed) is also a lure.

The Pixel Pass isn’t the only Google Pixel 6-related leak to come out this week. Lee shared other pricing information from retail sources, including an $850 price point for the Pixel 6 in the U.S. The official color names for the Pixel were also shared, with Google reportedly branding them as Kinda Coral, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black for the Pixel 6, The Pixel 6 Pro will come in Sorta Sunny, Cloudy White, and Stormy Black.

An early release from the U.K. retailer Carphone Warehouse all but confirmed key specs of the phone with the exception of pricing. The leaked website has since gone down, but screenshots were captured at the time it remained up.

Google will launch the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro at the online Pixel Fall Launch event on October 19 — just over a week from now. If there are any secrets left to be told, we’ll find out then.

Editors' Recommendations

Michael Allison
A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…
Apple’s new iPads look amazing, but there’s one big problem
Renders of the 11-inch and 13-inch models of the iPad Pro 2024.

After a year-long drought, Apple finally released some new iPads during its Let Loose event on May 7. Though it was just the iPad Air and iPad Pro models that were updated, we did get a 13-inch option for the iPad Air along with the standard 11-inch size, as well as iPad Pros with new OLED displays.

The iPad Airs now come equipped with an M2 chip inside, while the iPad Pros mark the debut of the new M4 chip. Exciting stuff, right? Unfortunately, as enticing as the hardware is, there is still one thing holding the iPad back -- and it's all Apple's fault.
Exciting new hardware, boring old software
iPad Air 2024 Apple

Read more
I have the Google Pixel 8a. Here are 6 things you need to know
A person holding the Google Pixel 8a.

The Google Pixel 8a is in my hand and will have been for a few days by the time you read this. It’s not long enough for me to give it our full in-depth review treatment, as the battery has only just settled down into everyday life and I’m still experimenting with the camera and features.

But there are some things I’ve quickly discovered about the Pixel 8a that you should know about. So, while we work on the review, take a look at what has already piqued our interest in Google’s newest, cheapest phone.
You're going to notice the bezels

Read more
Smartwatches are in big trouble
Different smartwatch models with displays illuminated.

I recently reviewed the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, and it’s very good indeed. It’s fast, capable, and comfortable to wear, with a decent app and long battery life. The thing is, it’s actually only a gently warmed-over version of the same smartwatch released this time last year, which normally would be the kiss of death for any new product.

However, in the stagnant world of Wear OS, it’s apparently entirely possible to release basically the same product one year later and for it to still be a recommended purchase. The situation perfectly sums up the state of smartwatches at the moment, and it couldn't be happening at a worse time because two serious threats are looming.
Is it really the same?
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 (left) and Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more