In the ever-evolving world of smartphone technology, Google’s Pixel lineup has long been praised for its clean software experience and innovative features. Yet, even as the Pixel 10 series pushes boundaries with advanced AI and camera capabilities, a persistent glitch is frustrating users: a delay in toggling the speakerphone during calls. Reports indicate that tapping the speaker icon often results in a lag of up to two seconds, or worse, requires multiple presses before responding, disrupting the flow of conversations.

This issue isn’t isolated to the latest models. Users of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and even the preceding Pixel 9 series have voiced similar complaints across online forums, highlighting a bug that seems tied to Google’s Phone app updates rather than hardware flaws.

A Lingering Software Glitch

According to a detailed analysis by Android Police, the problem persists across various software versions, including stable Android 16 builds and the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2. One user on Reddit described it as needing to “double-click the speaker button” for reliability, while another noted that reverting to an older version of the Phone app temporarily restores normal functionality.

The glitch appears rooted in the app’s newer interface, which may introduce processing overhead during active calls. This isn’t merely an annoyance; for professionals relying on quick switches during hands-free meetings or multitasking, it undermines the device’s utility in real-world scenarios.

User Frustrations and Community Feedback

Echoing these sentiments, posts on Google’s community forums dating back to May 2025 for Pixel 9 devices continue into October for the Pixel 10 lineup, as reported by PiunikaWeb. Users speculate that the delay could stem from integration issues with Google’s Tensor G5 chip or conflicts with background processes like AI-driven call screening.

Industry observers note that such bugs erode trust in Google’s ecosystem, especially when competitors like Samsung and Apple deliver more polished call experiences. One forum thread on XDA Developers from February 2025 even traces similar delays to earlier Pixel models, suggesting a systemic oversight in software optimization.

Google’s Response and Potential Fixes

Google has yet to issue an official fix, though beta updates hint at ongoing tweaks. Insiders familiar with Android development point out that the problem might be exacerbated by power-saving features that throttle UI responsiveness, a theory supported by discussions on Android Central forums from as far back as 2016, though adapted to modern contexts.

For affected users, workarounds include sideloading older app versions or using third-party dialers, but these are stopgaps at best. Analysts at Android Authority, in their coverage of Pixel 10 problems, emphasize that resolving this could require a fundamental rethink of how Google’s apps handle real-time inputs.

Broader Implications for Pixel’s Future

This speakerphone hiccup joins a list of Pixel 10 woes, from notification delays to video stabilization bugs, as detailed in recent reports. It underscores the challenges of balancing cutting-edge AI with basic reliability, a tension that could influence enterprise adoption where seamless communication is paramount.

As Google prepares for future updates, industry watchers will be monitoring whether these issues signal deeper integration problems or if swift patches can restore the Pixel’s reputation. For now, users are left hoping that the next software drop addresses this delay, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of everyday functionality.