While the Google Pixel 9 has yet to arrive, we are starting to hear news about next year's phones, specifically the new chipset that will be in the Pixel 10.

The upcoming Tensor G5 silicon will likely be Google's first chip not based on Samsung's Exynos chipset and is said to be completely custom manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process (the same process used for Apple and Qualcomm mobile chips).

And according to the China Times, the Tensor G5 chipset has entered the "tape-out" stage. This means that the final version of the chip is complete and ready to enter the manufacturing phase.

While this appears to be a rather rapid progress, it is rather significant that Tensor G5 is ready ahead of the more serious work on Pixel 10. For starters, the fact that the chip has been created means that Google can get to work testing the G5 and making sure it works properly.

The time it takes to make sure it works is critical because it is the first chip to fully adopt Google's own architecture rather than relying on Samsung's architecture. Previous Tensor chips at least had the assurance that the base Exynos chip was already functional, but then Google would have to follow the rules of this off-the-shelf processor.

Now, with a fully customized Tensor chip, Google will have complete control over every aspect of Pixel development. Just as Apple did with its A-series and M-series chips, the Google-made Tensor means that the Android software can better optimize the Pixel's hardware. Hopefully, it will provide a better, more efficient experience in the process.

Furthermore, with AI playing a bigger role in future mobile technology, tighter control over the hardware should mean a better on-device experience. The switch to the 3nm process should also reduce power consumption and improve performance at the same time. Both are very good things. Especially since Google has historically been pretty mediocre at both.

Of course, the Pixel 10 is still a long way off, in late 2025. In the meantime, there is still the launch of the Pixel 9 series, which Google recently confirmed will be announced on August 13. However, that phone is expected to run on Tensor G4, which means that all the benefits of Google-made chips are beyond our reach.