Pixel 11 Pro leak suggests Google could ditch thermometer for Nothing-style RGB LEDs

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• Google is preparing a new “Pixel Glow” notification system for the Pixel 11 series.
• A new leak suggests Pixel 11 Pro models could drop the infrared thermometer in favor of an RGB LED array similar to Nothing’s Glyph display.
• While smaller than the Glyph, Google’s system could enable comparable interactions.

Introduction

With May upon us, we’re in peak Google season: I/O is only a couple weeks away, and the new Pixel 11 phones are just a few months away. Early CAD renders have already sparked speculation about hardware changes, and a new source is shedding light on some of the biggest expected updates.

Thermometer Removal

As part of a massive Pixel 11 leak, the Mystic Leaks Telegram channel reports that Google is abandoning its infrared thermometer on the Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold models. The sensor, introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro, has seen limited use and appears to be the first generation to drop it.

“Pixel Glow” RGB LED Array

The more intriguing development is the rumored RGB LED array, part of a system dubbed “Pixel Glow.” Google has been preparing “light animations” for months, and the leak includes an AI‑generated rendering that “resembles the actual look of the Pixel 11 Pro’s back cover.” While not an official image, it offers a clearer view of the proposed hardware.

The LED array would be housed in the camera bar, reminiscent of Nothing’s Glyph display but smaller in size. Early indications suggest the array may be primarily used by Gemini, though its full flexibility remains uncertain.

Impact and Availability

If the leak is accurate, the smallest Pixel 11 model may miss the LED array, but the Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold are expected to feature it. This addition could bring new visual notifications and interactions, potentially becoming a standout feature of the upcoming lineup.