Leaks have all but confirmed the name of a new illuminated feature on Google's forthcoming Pixel 11 phones, previously rumoured as "Pixel Glow" but now revealed to be called HiLight. Images shared by leaker Roland Quandt show the LED built into the camera module of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, doubling as the flash while also acting as a discreet notification light that glows in different colours when the phone is face-down. The feature signals a partial return to the notification LEDs once common on Android phones before full-screen displays took over, though its usefulness may be limited since many users avoid placing phones screen-side down.

A leaked press graphic indicates HiLight will alert users to calls from favourite contacts and light up during interactions with Google's Gemini assistant, tying it to a broader push across Google's hardware line. Similar Gemini-linked lighting is expected on upcoming "Googlebook" laptops, which will reportedly feature a "Glowbar", and on the new Google Home Speaker, which has an illuminated ring that changes colour to reflect assistant status. Beyond HiLight, the Pixel 11 series is expected to be a largely incremental upgrade, following 2025's addition of Qi2 magnetic charging (branded Pixel Snap); Google is set to formally unveil the phones on 12 August.