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Pixel 8 and 9 users are accusing Google of "planned obsolescence" after latest issue

Pixel users can't take it anymore.

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By Anam Hamid

Published: Apr 26, 2026, 5:15 PM

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pixel 7 pixel 8 pixel 9 slow laggy april march update

Pixel 9 PRO XL and Pixel 8 Pro | Image by PhoneArena

The latest software updates aren't done wreaking havoc on the Pixel lineup just yet. Following a string of bootloop and battery drain issues, owners are now complaining of slower devices.

Sloth mode?

While Pixels have many strengths, they have never been the fastest. That's even though they command flagship prices.

The March and April updates have only exacerbated the situation. According to a wave of complaints highlighted by Android Authority, Pixels have slowed to a crawl, with input processing lagging significantly behind reality.

Same issue with my pixel 9. It's driving me insane. So laggy, apps take ages to open, scrolling is slow motion.

AngeryCarrot, Reddit user, April 2026

Affected users claim that apps are slow and crashy. They take longer to open and scrolling is sluggish. In some cases, the keyboard freezes mid-sentence.

I recently updated the latest #Pixel March security update on my pixel 8. I noticed most of apps started lagging, FPS dropped.

sthakur870, Reddit user, March 2026

Came here because as of this week. 3/27/26 (if future people see this) my 9 is laggy too. It's driving me crazy.

dawn9800, Reddit user, March 2026

For some users, switching between apps is now a chore, and even basic web browsing has become an exercise in patience.

Everything is just slowed to a crawl. Apps that used to run fine are visibly laggy and slow now.

ravonos, Reddit user, April 2026

What went wrong?

While the stuttering began immediately following the recent updates, the exact root cause remains a mystery.

While most of the complaints come from Pixel 9 users, older models like the Pixel 6 are also feeling the drag. Even the Pixel 10 hasn't been spared.

My 10 Pro XL is laggier than ever with the newest update. I will add I've also brought my phone to 5-10 fps while multitasking. I wasn't doing anything special, but the phone acted like it was going to crash and restart.

WatchfulApparition, Reddit user, April 2026

Most users don't seem to have done anything to nuke performance, such as dropping their devices or filling storage to the brim.

However, some users have noted significant overheating, suggesting the Tensor chip is under strain. That doesn't mean customers are overtaxing their devices, with even essential apps like Google Maps becoming unusable.

I've noticed this today as well. It started lagging heavily and also the battery has been dying much quicker. I end up losing a lot while the phone is off.

_woIf, Reddit user, April 2026

No concrete fix has been found yet, though some customers claim that a factory reset works, while others found respite by ditching Wi-Fi for cellular data.

Hello people, hope everyone's doing alright. I've noticed that since the latest software update (April 5th 2026, which I applied about 3 days ago) most apps have been working worse on WiFi than on data.

GM_SiNick, Reddit user, April 2026

PixelCommunity, Google's official Reddit account, has recommended rebooting in safe mode to rule out third-party apps. Users aren't buying it, arguing the scale of the problem makes a rogue app unlikely.

Other responses from PixelCommunity have been equally unhelpful, suggesting Google hasn't even begun a formal investigation.

What's going on with Pixel phones this month?

Google couldn't care less

From Pixels dying mid-day to basic browsers acting up, some Pixel phones have become essentially useless over the last two months.

Naturally, customers are incensed, with some accusing Google of planned obsolescence. Others are understandably cross at not getting their money's worth, swearing off Google.

Won't be buying Google pixel again unless this is resloved

Appropriate_Tip_3296, Reddit user, April 2026

Google's lacklustre response is not only discouraging for customers, but it's perhaps also a sign that the company might not grasp the gravity of the situation.

Google needs to get it together

This has been a total trainwreck of a month for Pixel users. While updates often result in unexpected bugs, most companies are quick to iron them out.

Google's slow response threatens to derail its slow climb up the shipping charts.

Whether the problems can be chalked up to Tensor chip limitations or Google's total disregard for anything that doesn't involve the word "AI" isn't clear. But if Google doesn't want the Pixel to be a resident of its infamous product graveyard, it needs to get its act together.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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