The Google Nexus program has had the tech giant partnering with different original equipment manufacturers, with the branding shared between Google and the parner. This was how the current-gen Nexus smartphones were made, as the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X were co-branded with Huawei and LG, respectively. Now, speculations point out that the next Nexus devices will be straight-forward Google brands, with the product makers strictly relegated to manufacturer status.

According to Ars Technica, a subscription-based report mentioned how Google is thinking of changing its manufacturing model for the upcoming 2016 Nexus devices. Reportedly, the tech giant wants more control in making the next Google Nexus products, similar to how Apple – considered to be one of Google's fiercest competitors – is churning out its iPhones and other devices. The Cupertino-based company, instead of an agreement with partners, has listed a number of third-party OEMs as suppliers and fully retains the company's "Apple" brand on its products.

Should this rumor be proven true, the next Nexus devices will be known fully as Google Nexus brands, without the manufacturers' names appearing in the product tags. This means that the rumored Nexus 2016  makers, HTC and Huawei, will only assemble the devices, with Google taking control of the designs, specs, features, and marketing.

HTC and Huawei are the top two candidates to be the next Nexus makers. According to Yibada, the upcoming Nexus lineup will include at least two new smartphones and a new tablet. While HTC is reportedly chosen as the manufacturer of the two new smartphones, Huawei is being tapped to refresh the Nexus 7 tablet lineup.

But instead of the Nexus 7 2016 version being budget-friendly with entry-level specs, Huawei's iteration may feature above-average features and premium specs to make the Nexus 7 compete with the likes of Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series.