The Pixel 9a was the first to ditch the signature Pixel camera island, with the cameras sitting flush. The Pixel 10a further refined it with cameras that blend seamlessly into the back panel. Well, a recent leak suggests the design change might carry over to flagship Pixels as a Pixel 11 Pro XL case has leaked online.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL could arrive with a redesigned camera module
Following an earlier rumour that Google could bring an under-display IR camera to Pixel 11 for enhanced face unlock, case manufacturer ThinBorne may have outed the Pixel 11 Pro XL design a little too early. The case maker recently posted a product listing for a MagSafe-compatible, aramid fibre case designed for the unreleased Pixel 11 Pro XL.
The listing includes two early renders that reveal some interesting potential shifts in design. While the overall thickness of the Pixel 11 Pro XL appears to be the same, the camera module could be getting a Pixel 10a makeover. The renders show a much shallower lip around the camera cutout, compared to the current Pixel 10 series cases.
This suggests that Google may be reducing how far the camera island protrudes from the back of the phone, which could make Pixels flatter. The shape of the camera housing also appears to have changed, as instead of the elongated horizontal oval shape on the Pixel 10 series, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a slightly larger cutout and a more rounded rectangular shape.
While the Pixel 11 series launch is still quite far away, the case leak and the design change points toward Google fitting in better camera hardware. This change is also in line with Google's previous Pixel design change claims, where the brand said users will see new designs once every two to three years.
The Pixel 11 series should launch in August 2026 with an improved Tensor G6 chip. Since Google's generally very bad at keeping its smartphones from leaking, we won't have to wait much longer before Pixel 11 series specifications surface online, so stay tuned.
