The distinctive camera bar on the back of Google’s flagship Pixel phones has always helped them stand out, but the upcoming Pixel 11 series may introduce a slight design change when it launches later this year.
A case listing from accessory maker ThinBorne, spotted by Android Authority, has already appeared online for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. The design of the case offers an early hint at what the phone might look like. According to the listing, the camera bar could stretch across a slightly larger portion of the back while protruding less than it does on current models.
If you look at the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the rear camera island sticks out quite noticeably. This extra thickness is partly necessary to accommodate advanced camera hardware, including the 5x optical zoom lens. However, not everyone likes the bulky camera bump.
For 2026, it seems Google may have found a way to reduce how far the camera module sticks out while still maintaining similar camera capabilities. That said, the exact camera specifications of the Pixel 11 models have not yet been confirmed.
It’s important to remember that this design change is still just a leak. However, case manufacturers often receive early information about the dimensions of upcoming phones so their accessories are ready by launch day, which means these details can sometimes be accurate.
This is also one of the first leaks related to the Pixel 11 lineup. Earlier rumors suggested that the phones could feature Google’s upcoming Tensor G6 chipset, which is expected to power the entire series.
If Google follows the same strategy as last year, the lineup will likely include the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The Pixel 10 series was announced in August, so the Pixel 11 models will probably arrive around the same time.
Meanwhile, Google has already released the mid-range Pixel 10a. Unlike the flagship models, it does not feature the signature Pixel camera bar and instead uses a flat back design. It remains to be seen which design direction Google will ultimately choose for its next generation of flagship phones.
