When Will Pixel 6 & 6 Pro Waiting Lists End? (And When To Expect Shipping)
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are apparently selling faster than Google expected and a waiting list is currently showing for orders via Google's online store, leading to the inevitable question of when the phones can be ordered? Google has been actively advertising its latest Pixel phones, something new for a company that tends to rely on its loyal following and media coverage to collect sales. The fact that Google actually seems to be trying to sell more Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones this year, along with the big design changes and tech improvements, can help to explain the stock shortages right now.
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are the only phones to be powered by Google's first mobile processor. Google designed its Tensor chip specifically for the image processing and AI capabilities that set it apart from every other Android phone. For example, features like Magic Eraser, Face Unblur, and Real Tone are currently exclusive to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This is also the first big camera change from Google, upping the resolution of the main camera to 50 megapixels and adding a 4 times optical zoom to the Pixel 6 Pro.
With more excitement for a Google phone than in past years, some models of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro seem to be in short supply. Google's own online store currently shows every unlocked and Google Fi model of the Pixel 6 Pro as out of stock in the United States. Google offers a waiting list for anyone that wants to be notified when more are available. However, pre-ordering is not possible and there is no timeframe given about when new stock will arrive. As Google increases the rate of shipments and stock starts to be replenished, it is likely that the waitlists will lessen and the ability to pre-order opens up again. Furthermore, as some models are more popular than others, some waitlists will be lifted before others. It is also worth routinely checking back, as it is not uncommon to actually find the waitlists are temporarily lifted for a limited time. For those that have already ordered one, Google will have provided an estimated ship date when placing the order. However, this is just an estimation so it is worth checking the Google Store order status page often, as the date could have been moved back or even forward.
At the time of writing, the Pixel 6 Pro was available from the Google Store when choosing the Verizon network. In contrast, the lower-cost Pixel 6 has greater availability in general, including at the unlocked level. Google's hot new phone is supposed to be available in stores by October 28, 2021, so there is a chance of physically picking one up sooner. For example, Best Buy shows the unlocked Pixel 6 Pro as 'Coming Soon,' while some carrier models can be pre-ordered. B&H Photo doesn't offer pre-ordering, but has a notify list and the website explains that shipping begins October 28, 2021. That means ordering online from a third-party website or visiting a retail store might be the fastest way to lay hands on any that are unavailable from the Google Store.
Since retailers still have stock, Google might have simply pushed more to those outlets, expecting fewer sales from its own online store. Given the problems that the pandemic has created for tech supplies worldwide, Google might not be able to restock its own shelves quickly. The fact that some Pixel 6 and 6 Pro models only provide an option for a waiting list further casts doubt on availability as well. However, this just might be Google's way of slowing orders to keep ahead or chip issues and especially considering the intermittent lifting of the waitlists at random times. For now, it is probably best to consider the Google Store's waitlist as a backup option while actively seeking the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro from third-party retailers.
Source: Google Store, Best Buy, B&H Photo