Nexus 5
Google Nexus 5 Google/Nexus 5/Screenshot

Could it be that the days of affordable Google-sanctioned smartphones like the Nexus 5 are coming to an end? According to sites like The Verge, The Information and IGN, Google is reportedly in the process of replacing its Nexus smartphone lineup with a high-end handset line that's part of its "Silver" program.

The new reports suggest the company is working with manufacturers and smartphone carriers to produce devices that "closely adhere to Google specifications." These new alleged handsets are also said to limit how many non-Google apps can be pre-installed or they will give users the ability to delete pre-loaded apps.

Motorola and LG are both said to have the highest chance of releasing "Silver" devices, which may launch as early as 2015.

As of now it is unclear what exactly would separate the new smartphones from Google Play edition handsets. While Google Play edition smartphones by Samsung, HTC and Sony already exist with the respective manufactuerer's flagship product the devices are equipped with the same version of Android found on the Nexus phones.

Google reportedly plans to spend up to $1 billion to get the "Silver" program started. The devices are reportedly set to launch in the US initially, and then branch out worldwide immidiately after that.

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