It took awhile, but Google’s Pixel line of smartphones has established itself as a mainstay of Android after 10 generations. The company has long operated a “Superfans” group to help promote Pixels, but now members have a slim chance to get their hands on Google’s next phones ahead of time. Google is reportedly looking for some lucky Superfans to test and provide feedback on unreleased devices, but they’ll have to promise not to leak anything.
It’s not unheard of for companies to have loyal customers help test new products, but it’s not usually big companies like Google with well-established products like Pixel. Google usually keeps its circle of hardware testers small and limited to employees. According to Bloomberg, Google is running a contest among Superfans to find 15 non-employees suited to test in-development hardware. An official document reviewed by Bloomberg describes the program as a chance to “provide feedback and help shape a Pixel phone currently in development.”
To apply, interested Superfans have to prove they are more super than the rest. They must demonstrate deep knowledge of the Pixel product family and suggest ways the phones can be improved. However, Google is asking this of its biggest supporters—people who still care enough about their smartphones to seek out a group specifically to talk about how much they care about their phones. Is Google going to get gushing praise or constructive criticism?
The Pixel Superfans program has offered freebies and special events in the past, but access to unreleased phones would be the biggest benefit yet. The document explains that those chosen for the program will have to sign a strict non-disclosure agreement and agree to keep the phones in a protective case that disguises its physical appearance at all times.
Pixels are among the most-leaked phones every year. In the past, devices have been photographed straight off the manufacturing line or “fallen off a truck” and ended up for sale months before release. However, it’s unlikely the 15 Superfan testers will lead to more leaks. Like most brands, Google’s pre-release sample phones have physical identifiers to help trace their origin if they end up in a leak or auction listing. The NDA will probably be sufficiently scary to keep the testers in line, as they won’t want to lose their Superfan privileges. Google has also started sharing details on its phones earlier—its Superfan testers may even be involved in these previews.
You can sign up to be a Superfan at any time, but it can take a few weeks to get access after applying. Google has not confirmed when its selection process will begin, but it would have to be soon if Google intends to gather feedback for the Pixel 11. Google’s next phone has probably been in the works for over a year, and it will have to lock down the features at least several months ahead of the expected August 2026 release window. The Pixel 10a is expected to launch even sooner, in spring 2026.
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