Google To Change Search On Pixel Phones After 10 Years With New Setting, Report Claims

InnovationConsumer TechGoogle To Change Search On Pixel Phones After 10 Years With New Setting, Report ClaimsByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 10, 2026, 06:12am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryGoogle Pixel phones are reportedly poised for a significant home screen customization update in Android 17. A new leak suggests users will finally gain the ability to remove the persistent Google search bar, a feature previously compulsory unlike other Android elements. This marks a notable shift for Google, a company founded on search, as it addresses long-standing user requests for greater control. The change, revealed in an Android 17 QPR1 beta build by Mystic Leaks and 9to5Google, follows Android 16's introduction of an option to remove the "At a Glance" widget. This move aligns Pixel devices with broader industry trends toward enhanced user choice, mirroring customization standards seen on platforms like iOS. While not yet definite, the stable release is anticipated in June 2026.Show More Google Pixel 10 — is the home screen about to change?T3Google’s Pixel phones have always featured pure Android, unlike other brands which can customize the look. A new report says that in Android 17, Google may allow users to turn off the search bar on the home screen. ForbesQualcomm’s New Chips Promise Gaming Boost For Affordable AndroidsBy David PhelanThe End Of Compulsory Home Screen WidgetsThis would be a first, and seems to come after there were issues with Google’s decision to place two items, the At a Glance widget and the search bar permanently on the home screen. Until recently both were compulsory and couldn’t be removed. Since Android has historically emphasized customer choice from the beginning, this seemed surprising. When Android 16 arrived, there wa...