Whoever wanted a Google Pixel tablet may be about to change that, thanks to a newly approved patent.

The patent was obtained by LetsGoDigital, who, with the help of frequent contributor Giuseppe "Snoreyn" Spinelli, brought the boring illustration to life. There are no rumors that Google is working on such a device right now, but its existence provides interesting insights into past and future Google products.

Google's design application (which can be found in this PDF from LGD) was sent in March 2019, but the Japanese Patent Office approved the design in June 2021. The design itself is very simple, just a rounded rectangular display with minimal bezels, no front-facing camera, and a gently curved back.

It doesn't look a million miles away from Apple's new iPad mini.

Snoreyn's rendering takes the patented design template and adds some Google Pixel 6 flourishes, including sand colors, a punch-hole front camera, a USB-C port for charging, and an Android 12-style Material You interface . Google's original drawings use considerable creative license, but we have to admit that they look great.

Google previously tried its hand at an Android tablet in the form of the Pixel C in 2015. It was a competent product, but neither Google nor any other Android tablet maker was able to break Apple's stronghold on the market with its iPad family. And thanks to models like the iPad Pro and iPad Air, no one has been able to break it since.

If such a tablet were to be made, Google has another operating system called Chrome OS. Clamshell and 2-in-1 laptops manufactured by third-party companies and using a lightweight OS have found a niche in the education and business markets, so a tablet could complement these devices.

However, Google has tried this before with the 2018 2-in-1 Pixel Slate. This was less than successful, and Google discontinued it in 2019 (less than nine months after launch) and halted production of two subsequent models. Given the timing of the discontinuation and the initial filing of this patent, one might assume that the patent actually refers to one of these discontinued Pixel Slate models and not one that Google is actively developing.

While a Pixel tablet is unlikely to come out anytime soon (if ever), there is still something exciting coming from Google in the form of the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The rumored features in these two models will redefine Google's smartphones, including a larger battery, more cameras, larger and higher refresh rate displays and confirmation of a new proprietary Tensor chipset.

Additionally, there are rumors of a Google Pixel Fold that could be released as early as this year. This would not be a tablet in the strict sense of the word. However, if this is the rumored 7.6" foldable form factor, it would be a sign that Google has not yet given up on devices with large displays.