Reported on January 13, 2026, Google plans to initiate the research, development, and manufacturing of high-end smartphones in Vietnam in 2026, involving the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for the Pixel, Pixel Pro, and Pixel Fold series, covering production R&D, verification, and optimization. This move marks Google's first completion of the zero-to-one mass production preparation for high-end models outside of China, while the R&D for the low-end Pixel A series smartphones remains in China. Previously, both Google and Apple relied on China for the NPI process. With the maturation of Vietnam's supply chain, Google now has the capability to independently advance the process locally.
