Google appears to be stepping back from developing its own Android tablets once again, according to recent reports. The tech giant has allegedly halted work on its next Pixel Tablet due to profitability concerns, marking another chapter in the company's on-again, off-again relationship with tablet hardware.
The news comes shortly after Google's release of the Pixel Tablet in fall 2023, which attempted to carve out a unique niche by doubling as a smart home display when paired with its dock and speaker cradle. This approach aimed to differentiate it from Apple's iPad, which continues to dominate the consumer tablet market.
While exact sales figures remain undisclosed, the Pixel Tablet failed to generate substantial renewed interest in Android tablets beyond the established market for Amazon's Kindle Fire devices. Google is expected to maintain its role in supporting and developing the Android tablet platform for other manufacturers, while focusing on its Pixel Fold devices that bridge the gap between smartphones and tablets.
Google's history with tablets has been marked by various attempts and retreats. The company found early success with the Nexus 7 series in 2012 and 2013, created in partnership with Asus. These devices hit the sweet spot in terms of size, price, and user experience, earning lasting appreciation from Android enthusiasts.
Subsequent efforts proved less successful. The Nexus 9 faced multiple issues, while the Pixel C struggled with Android's limited support for productivity features. The Chrome OS-powered Pixel Slate also failed to find its target audience, leading Google to announce its withdrawal from tablet manufacturing in 2019.
The company made a comeback with enhanced tablet support in Android 12L in 2022, followed by the Pixel Tablet launch in 2023. However, this latest retreat suggests Google may be returning to a supporting role in the tablet space. Reports indicate that while current development has ceased, the door remains open for future Pixel Tablets with enhanced features like external display support and additional ports.