What you need to know
Android 16 is proving to be a troublesome update for many Pixel users, with reports of navigation gestures and buttons freezing, lagging, or becoming unresponsive. Among the affected models, Pixel 8 Pro owners have noted delays of up to 30 seconds when attempting to swipe or navigate back, while users of the Pixel 9 Pro XL are experiencing similar frustrations with the swipe-up gesture.
The situation has prompted a wave of complaints across various forums, particularly on Reddit, where users are sharing their experiences with the buggy update. Some have expressed their exasperation at the lag, while others find that their navigation actions simply cease to function altogether. The issues appear to span from the Pixel 6 through to the 9 series, leaving many users caught in a frustrating limbo between apps and menus.
3-Button Navigation on Android 16 is broken from r/GooglePixel
Artem Russakovskii, founder of Android Police, contributed to the conversation by sharing a screen recording on X, illustrating the severity of the Android 16 bug. Navigation, a fundamental aspect of smartphone use, has become a source of irritation rather than the seamless experience users expect. When swipes and taps fail, the device feels less like a tool and more like a hindrance, transforming what should be an effortless interaction into a laborious task.
As users grapple with these challenges, Google has remained notably silent regarding the ongoing issues. For those experiencing difficulties with their Pixels, the recommended course of action is to utilize Google’s bug report tool to voice their concerns. A collective outcry may expedite the release of a patch, restoring the smooth functionality that users have come to rely on.
