The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are fresh out the gate, but Google isn't resting on its laurels and already has development of the successor series for 2018 underway, according to new details. Yes, that's right, we're talking about the Pixel 3!

And there will be three of them, according to the leaked information. In truth, that is not hugely surprising, as we know from the Pixel 2 rumour trail that three handsets were originally planned for that series, but one was axed during later development.

The word of the Pixel 3 series comes via Droid-Life's insider sources. The publication reports that it has codenames for all three Pixel 3 handsets, and as per previous years, the codenames are all fish themed. The 2018 Pixel 3 series allegedly includes the "crosshatch", "albacore", and "blueline". Droid-Life's info on Google's activities have proven accurate in the past, indeed, it provided the similar codename details for the Pixel 2 series and even regarding the cancellation of the third Pixel 2 model.

With the Pixel 3 series, it is alleged that Google may be following a similar plan to what it intended for the Pixel 2; two regular "premium" smartphones and one "super premium" - in the case of the Pixel 2 series it was that super premium model which got the chop. The plan also mimics Apple's iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus trio, although that launch may have been a goof considering consumers are simply waiting for the iPhone X and ignoring the iPhone 8 duo, effectively cannibalising sales within its 2017/2018 portfolio.

All three phones will wear the Pixel branding. Interestingly, the "crosshatch" codename has already appeared inside code from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).