The company already works with a broad network of suppliers in Vietnam that assemble a range of Google products, including Pixel smartphones. Under the new plan, Google is expected to start the “new product introduction” (NPI) process for its premium Pixel, Pixel Pro and Pixel Fold devices in the south-east Asian country.
NPI is a key stage in bringing electronics to market. It covers process development, testing, verification and refinements before mass production begins. Development of the lower-priced Pixel A series is expected to remain in China for now.
The shift would further reduce Google’s reliance on China’s manufacturing ecosystem for Pixel devices, as more global tech firms expand capacity in south-east Asia. Samsung makes many of its products in Vietnam, while Apple has been gradually increasing production through suppliers in the country, reflecting a broader trend of diversifying supply chains.