A recent software update for Google's Pixel devices, Android 17 QPR1, has caused performance issues such as slowdowns and problems with responsiveness on certain models. According to Android Authority, the bug was discovered by the team behind an alternative version of Android called GrapheneOS, not by Google itself. The issue is linked to the source code of Android 17, and although GrapheneOS has already fixed the problem, Google has not yet released a patch. In a social media thread, the developers of GrapheneOS say the problem isn't about identifying or fixing the issue, but rather about Google's testing processes, which they describe as "completely failing." They claim that Google typically takes four to six weeks to deploy fixes for major Android versions, even for serious problems, and up to two to three months for minor updates. Based on this, they estimate that a patch for the current issue may not be available until December 2026. In contrast, GrapheneOS, a free and alternative version of Android maintained by a small team, has already resolved the issue. The development team notes that they are expanding their scope to include managing basic updates, with more resources allowing them to handle the workload. They also mention plans for new features such as improved copy-paste functionality and support for RCS, a messaging standard that enables features like read receipts and typing indicators. While GrapheneOS appears to offer a better user experience in some areas, the comparison must be taken with caution. Google's updates must work across millions of different phone models, whereas GrapheneOS focuses only on its own Pixel devices. Despite this, some aspects of the user experience on a "de-googled" OS—meaning one that removes Google's services and apps—are reportedly more successful than on a standard Google smartphone.