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Google is giving its most loyal Pixel fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance: early, unreleased smartphone access. Members of the company’s ‘Superfans’ community have been asked to apply for the new Trusted Tester Program, which will permit them to get their hands on upcoming Pixel hardware ahead of its release.
According to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News, only 15 participants will be chosen from the applicant pool. Those selected must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and agree to conceal test units in protective cases supplied by Google.
The Superfan Program application process asks fans to showcase their knowledge of Pixel devices and suggest improvements for Google hardware and software.
Though consumer hardware firms perform internal testing, making the process open to outside fans is unusual for a company of Google’s size. By working with enthusiasts, Google can get immediate feedback while keeping word on its products buzzing.
The process also enables the company to control leaks. This is a problem the company has experienced recently, as unauthorized renders of new Pixel models were leaked months before release.
While Google has not indicated a specific timeline, new Pixel releases usually occur in August. This trend makes it likely that the Trusted Tester Program can start as early as spring 2026, in preparation for the next official release.
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Google’s hardware design head, Ivy Ross, said the company updates its Pixel design language every two or three years. With the Pixel 10 still visually close to its predecessor, a big overhaul may show up in future releases.
Ross said that Google has already secured its 2026 series and is preparing hardware for 2027 as well.
The Google Trusted Tester Program provides a balance between fan participation and product secrecy. This means that the superfans are granted access to the new devices before anyone else. This benefits the company as it can now contain leaks and unofficial revelations. For the consumers, this is a unique chance to shape the upcoming Pixel phone generation.
