Google is running low on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G stock
We’ve seen the rumors and leaks pointing to a Pixel 6 launch later this year, but that wasn’t supposed to happen until around August or September. It’s possible that could be changing, as we’re now seeing stock levels for the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G starting to dwindle. Over at 9to5Google, they found that the Unlocked version of the Pixel 5 is completely out of stock when trying to purchase it directly from Google. The same issue is being found with the Pixel 4a 5G.
It would appear as though Google is fluctuating on stock levels, as both of these phones are going between being in and out of stock fairly regularly. What’s odd here is that even though the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL were discontinued in August of last year, we’re still in June. Unless Google pulls a fast one on everyone and launches the fabled Pixel 5a, removing both the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 from its digital storefront would leave only the Pixel 4a available.
Yesterday, we saw something similar from Samsung with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The phone’s purchasing landing page was listed as unavailable for most of the day. That changed last evening when it seems that more stock of the Z Fold 2 appeared.
Perhaps this has more to do with the global chip shortage that is plaguing many manufacturers. It’s affecting much more than just smartphone makers, as the issues have caused products from other industries to either be delayed or canceled because of it. Samsung has even gone so far as to claim that the reason we won’t see the Galaxy Note 21 series this year is due to those shortages.