If you didn't get a Google Pixel 6 or aren't ready to replace your phone just yet, we have some exciting information for next year: it may be the first public appearance of the next-generation Tensor chip that will be in the Google Pixel 7.

Evidence of such a chip was found by 9to5Google while scouring through Pixel 6 apps. While still scanty, these details offer a potential glimpse into Google's next in-house silicon and could be a valuable foundation for future leaks.

The name "Cloudripper" was found in the APK of an Android app pre-installed on the Pixel 6. According to earlier information discovered by 9to5Google, this is the second generation Tensor processor development, also known as GS201 refers to. This codename was also discovered by Android expert Mishal Rahman in the Android kernel. And this could be the chip that Google has decided to use in next year's Pixel 7.

For reference, the chip in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is also known as "Slider" during development, code number GS101. The adoption of an in-house designed chip was a major milestone for Google, which had been using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip in previous Pixel phones. By designing its own chips, Google was able to customize the capabilities of its mobile silicon, allowing the Pixel 6 line to perform live text and voice translation, enhanced photo processing, and more.

Unfortunately, XDA's findings do not provide any other details about what we can expect from the next generation of Tensor, although given the Pixel 6 series' performance in benchmark and battery life tests, a small increase in computing power and power efficiency would be welcome, It seems clear that Google will once again focus on machine learning and AI capabilities.

Overall, however, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are an impressive pair of phones, especially for their excellent photography and competitive pricing; the Pixel 6 became one of our best phones and best Android phones, and both the base model and the Pro made our Best Camera Phones guide, and both the base model and the Pro are ranked in our Best Camera Phones guide.