The Google Pixel experience remains one of the cleanest and most polished Android implementations available, but it has long lagged behind competitors in a handful of convenience and customization features. Recent discoveries in Android 17 indicate Google is preparing to introduce a proper “shuffle” wallpaper option on Pixel phones — a feature many users expect after encountering it on other platforms. That option will let users cycle through a curated set of wallpapers automatically, a simple but welcome convenience that other manufacturers and even Apple already offer.
I personally use a wallpaper shuffle on another device to rotate through a small set of favorite images on the lock screen, and it’s a small touch that keeps a device feeling fresh without manual intervention. Pixel devices have had a limited version of dynamic wallpapers for years, but it’s notable that a full-featured shuffle mode is only now appearing in development. It’s the kind of refinement that highlights how features we take for granted on competing phones can still be missing from Google’s flagship lineup.
- Article referenced: Google Pixel phones may soon let you ‘shuffle’ your favorite wallpapers
This led me to think about the broader set of capabilities that Pixel phones still lack compared with other devices. Over time Google has been steadily adding features that users have missed when switching from other Android or iOS devices. For example, foldable and tablet Pixel devices recently gained pop-up app support through a Bubbles mechanism — a multitasking convenience that owners of competing foldables have appreciated for some time. Small quality-of-life improvements like this can make a big difference in day-to-day use.
Another example is the introduction of PIN auto-complete for unlocking, a strangely overdue feature that finally appeared and solved an annoyance for many users who frequently switch between brands. These incremental updates show Google is listening and catching up with user expectations, but there remain several areas where Pixel could improve to match or exceed competitor offerings.
So this is an open call to Pixel users and Android enthusiasts: what features do you still feel are missing from Pixel devices? Rather than a simple poll, this should be an open discussion about real-world needs and missing conveniences. Share the functions you miss when returning to a Pixel after using another phone, or ideas for new features that would make daily use better, from battery and performance optimizations to interface refinements and customization options.
Possible topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:
- Better native theming and widget options to make home screens more expressive and flexible.
- Expanded multitasking tools for larger-screen Pixel devices, such as improved split-screen management or more robust windowing for apps.
- Deeper system-level customization for gestures and quick settings, so users can tailor interactions without third-party apps.
- Enhanced camera features or controls that give power users more manual options while keeping excellent point-and-shoot performance.
- More comprehensive backup and migration tools to make switching to Pixel simpler and less time-consuming.
This collection isn’t exhaustive; I’m curious to hear what matters most to you. Are there features you think should be priorities for future Pixel updates? Are there small annoyances that could be fixed quickly to improve the experience for many users? Or are there entirely new capabilities you’d like Google to explore on Pixel hardware?
More on Google Pixel:
- Google Pixel phones get better wireless audio quality in Android 17 — how to check
- June 2026 Pixel Drop: Bubbles, screen reactions, Phone app expansions, and more
- Google preps Pixel ‘Audio Memory’ that ambiently tracks important conversations, like AI notetaker pins
Share your thoughts below and help shape a roundup of the most requested improvements. The best suggestions and the most popular ideas will be highlighted, offering a snapshot of what Pixel users want next from Google’s devices and software.
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