Pixel 8 series may soon get exclusive Pixel 9 app

Pixel Studio expansion on the horizon: Google appears to be preparing to extend its Pixel Studio app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, to older Pixel models, particularly the Pixel 8 lineup.

• The Pixel Studio app, which leverages on-device AI and Google’s Imagen 3 AI model, allows users to generate images from text prompts.
• Evidence suggests that the app may soon be available on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a devices.

Technical clues pointing to broader availability: Recent developments in app distribution channels and software updates hint at Google’s intentions to expand Pixel Studio’s reach.

• A new APK stub for Pixel Studio was discovered on APK Mirror, with notes indicating its origin from a Pixel 8 Pro running the recent Android 15 update.
• The same APK stub was found pre-installed on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a models with Android 15.
• An APK stub serves as a placeholder, directing users to the Play Store to download the full application.

Google’s next steps: For Pixel Studio to become officially available on older devices, Google needs to make some adjustments to its distribution strategy.

• The company will need to modify the Play Store entry for Pixel Studio to allow Pixel 8 series users to download the app officially.
• A significant change has been observed in the app’s code: the removal of the com.google.android.feature.PIXEL_2024_EXPERIENCE feature flag, suggesting Google is preparing to roll out Pixel Studio to older devices.

Current limitations and workarounds: Users of older Pixel models face obstacles in accessing Pixel Studio, highlighting the app’s current exclusivity.

• Attempts to sideload previous versions of the Pixel Studio APK on Pixel 8 series devices have been unsuccessful due to the 2024 feature flag requirement.
• At present, the Pixel 7 series does not appear to be in line to receive the app, as the APK stub was not found on Pixel 7 devices running Android 15.

Implications for Pixel ecosystem: The potential expansion of Pixel Studio to older models could have significant implications for Google’s smartphone lineup and user experience.

• Bringing advanced AI-powered features like Pixel Studio to older devices could enhance the longevity and value proposition of Google’s smartphones.
• This move may also indicate Google’s strategy to differentiate its devices through software features while maintaining a balance between exclusivity and broader accessibility.

Future outlook: While Google’s plans for Pixel Studio remain unofficial, the evidence suggests a strategic shift in the app’s availability.

• The expansion of Pixel Studio to the Pixel 8 series could be a precursor to wider availability across more Pixel models in the future.
• This development may signal Google’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge AI features to a broader range of its devices, potentially influencing consumer decisions and market competitiveness.