Google has stated that the next Nexus flagship devices will reflect the build and design specifications set in-house but the actual manufacturing will be handled by OEMs. On release date, the Nexus 2016 handsets will still come from HTC and Huawei as indicated by swirling rumors.
According to XDA Developers, "all signs are pointing to Google taking almost end to end control over the Nexus program," in light of the recent statement made by Google CEO Sundar Pichai that the company "could be more opinionated about the design of the phones." It appears that the message from Pichai is Google will partner with device makers on the Nexus project but total control will remain with the tech giant.
The statement also aligns with the rumors that HTC is taking charge of the Nexus 2016 project and the Taiwanese will soon produce two Stock Android handsets with one model patterned after the HTC 10. XDA said that the Google-HTC collaboration is not a one-off affair as the 2016 Nexus series is part of the rumored three-year deal between the two firms.
And it makes sense that Google would opt for a locked-in agreement with a dependable hardware partner in the long term. The goal is to elevate the quality of the future Nexus devices, which XDA noted have been plagued by numerous issues - delayed production and release and stock outs among them - in the past.
XDA is convinced as well that a third Nexus is coming out this year and if the recent leaks are to go by, that device will originate from China courtesy of Nexus 6P maker Huawei. Rumors suggest that an upgraded 6P will touchdown soon sporting nearly the same design and build but with boosted up inside components, specifically Snapdragon 820 and 4GB of RAM. One Huawei executive even hinted that the Chinese company is doing the Nexus again this 2016, further firing up speculations that the Nexus 6P is lined up for second coming.
"The 6P is one of the best-designed Nexus products to date, so bringing it back would make sense for those potential owners who aren't excited by the new look and feel of Nexus phones but still want a new Nexus," XDA said in explaining the rationale for a second Nexus 6P from Huawei.
So it would be totally unsurprising that on release date, which is rumored due August 2016 or once the final cut of Android N is ready to roll, the Nexus 2016 will unbox in three compelling flavors and cooked up by Google in close collaboration with HTC and Huawei.