Google Pixel 3 might come to T-Mobile, ending Verizon exclusivity

Google Pixel 3
Image credit: TechRadar

While Verizon has had exclusive rights to carry Google Pixel phones in the US, that might change, and soon. T-Mobile may start selling the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL, per a report released today.

A source originally tipped off 9to5Google, but Android Police have independently confirmed the rumor. Per those outlets, T-Mobile will have those phones soon, though it’s unclear if they will be unlocked.

If true, this could give the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL a broader life beyond Verizon customers or those who have bought it unlocked. 

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 Exclusive no more..? 

Neither publication’s source revealed whether the upcoming Pixel 3a might be coming to T-Mobile as well, though the other carrier is testing the 3a on its networks, per 9to5Google; in that case, users could bring unlocked versions over to work on T-Mobile. 

Nor did either site indicate whether T-Mobile would be getting the Pixel 4, though that phone isn’t expected until November, the same month previous iterations came out in prior years. 

Neither Verizon nor T-Mobile responded to requests for comment as of time of publishing; we’ll update the story if we hear back.

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David Lumb

David is now a mobile reporter at Cnet. Formerly Mobile Editor, US for TechRadar, he covered phones, tablets, and wearables. He still thinks the iPhone 4 is the best-looking smartphone ever made. He's most interested in technology, gaming and culture – and where they overlap and change our lives. His current beat explores how our on-the-go existence is affected by new gadgets, carrier coverage expansions, and corporate strategy shifts.