Google unveils Pixel 10 with Gemini AI ‘Magic Cue’ assistant

New smartphones, watch and earbuds bring on-device AI features to users

Google has launched its new Pixel 10 smartphone lineup powered by the latest Gemini AI upgrades, including a feature called Magic Cue that anticipates user needs by drawing on personal information stored across apps such as Gmail, Calendar, and Maps.

The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold all feature Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, designed to run AI tools locally without depending on cloud servers. The company said this improves both performance and privacy.

Magic Cue, the headline feature, pulls up relevant data automatically in real time. For example, when placing a call to an airline, the phone app can instantly display booking details from Gmail. If a friend suggests brunch, Gemini will show calendar availability alongside coffee shop recommendations.

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Analysts said the feature reflects Google’s ambition to lead in on-device AI. Leo Gebbie, principal analyst at CCS Insight, said Google was “arguably positioning on-device AI more effectively than any of its rivals” and that Magic Cue was an “early step towards the much-vaunted agentic AI experiences, which have been promised on smartphones for some time.” He added that Google’s advantage lies in its ability to integrate data from widely used apps like Gmail, Maps, and Calendar into a cohesive assistant.

The Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch OLED screen and a triple-camera system for the first time, including a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom. The Pixel 10 Pro offers 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch variants, adding a 48MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold becomes one of the first folding devices to achieve full IP68 dust- and water-resistance, addressing durability concerns.

Photography features are also boosted by AI, with the new Camera Coach suggesting framing, lighting, and angles to improve shots. The Pixel 10 starts at £799 ($799/€899/A$1,349), while the Pixel 10 Pro is priced at £999 ($999/€1,099/A$1,699). The Pro Fold will ship from October 9 at £1,749 ($1,799/€1,899/A$2,699).

Alongside the phones, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a. The Pixel Watch 4, integrated with Gemini, acts as a personal AI health and sleep coach through the updated Fitbit app. It can generate personalised training plans, track performance in real time, and answer fitness questions. The smartwatch, priced from £349 ($349/€499/A$579), also introduces SOS satellite-based emergency services when out of cellular range, initially in the US. It is Google’s first watch designed for serviceability, with replaceable batteries and screens.

The Pixel Buds 2a, priced at £129 ($129/€149/A$239), are a lower-cost alternative to the Buds Pro 2. They come with active noise cancellation, the Tensor A1 chip, and integrated Gemini assistant features. The charging case includes a replaceable battery, though the earbuds themselves are not user-repairable.

Google’s AI push comes as competition in the smartphone market intensifies. With Apple and Samsung also investing heavily in generative AI, Google is betting on deep integration across its apps and devices to differentiate. Analysts said the company’s reliance on on-device processing could prove attractive to users concerned about speed and privacy.

The Pixel 10 series will begin shipping globally on August 28, with Google aiming to strengthen its position in both premium smartphones and wearable ecosystems.