Two years after re-entering the tablet market, Google has confirmed it is once again halting its Pixel tablet plans.
In a Bloomberg interview, Google executives revealed that the company has “paused development on a tablet overhaul” for the foreseeable future until it figures out “a meaningful future” for the product category.
Shakil Barkat, Google’s Vice President for the Devices and Services Product Group, added that he doesn’t see a scenario where consumers carry anything beyond their phone, except perhaps a watch, earbuds or glasses.
However, Google’s rationale doesn’t align with market trends. According to Canalys, the global tablet market grew a healthy 9% in Q1 2025. Apple, the market leader, saw a 14% year-on-year growth with 13.7 million iPads shipped, while Xiaomi achieved a whopping 56% annual growth.
Other brands are also not letting up. Huawei recently released a new MatePad, while Nubia is entering the international Android tablet market with its Nubia Pad Pro. Samsung continues to soldier on with its new Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and Fe tablets.
Clearly, demand for tablets remains robust, and it appears that it’s Google’s fault for not coming up with a Pixel Tablet that’s compelling to consumers.
Rumours of Google quitting the tablet business surfaced last year when reports indicated that the development of the second Pixel Tablet was cancelled. If you are looking for an Android tablet, you’ll be spoilt for choice with offerings from Huawei, Nubia, Xiaomi, Honor, Samsung, and other brands.
Source: Bloomberg