Google has officially confirmed a significant update for the Pixel 10 series aimed at improving gaming performance and overall graphics quality. The company announced that future system updates will focus on refining GPU drivers, addressing complaints about lag and performance inconsistencies reported by users since launch.
Addressing Pixel 10 Gaming Concerns
Since its debut, the Pixel 10 lineup has faced scrutiny over gaming performance, particularly during intensive gameplay. Many users have reported frame drops, lag, and overheating issues, especially in graphics-heavy titles such as Call of Duty Mobile. The phones use a PowerVR GPU developed by Imagination Technologies, which has been criticized for falling short of expectations compared to competitors.
Google has acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that it is actively developing updates to enhance GPU performance and driver quality. A company spokesperson stated that ongoing improvements are part of Google’s regular system maintenance schedule.
“We are continuing to improve driver quality in our monthly and quarterly system updates,” the spokesperson said. “The most recent patch releases already included driver improvements, and future updates will bring additional GPU optimizations.”
Upcoming Pixel Drops to Deliver GPU Enhancements
Google’s periodic software releases, commonly known as Pixel Drops, introduce new features, performance fixes, and driver enhancements. The next major Pixel Drop, expected in December, is likely to include the long-awaited GPU driver update.
These updates are expected to boost frame rates, enhance rendering stability, and provide a smoother experience for gamers who have reported inconsistent performance since launch.
Outdated Drivers Identified as the Main Cause
Reports suggest that outdated GPU drivers are the main reason behind the Pixel 10’s gaming challenges. Imagination Technologies released newer drivers in August 2025 for the same PowerVR GPU used in the Pixel 10. These updated drivers support Android 16 and Vulkan 1.4, a powerful graphics API that improves efficiency and visual quality.
However, Google has yet to integrate these drivers into the Pixel 10’s system software. The company’s latest announcement indicates that the rollout could happen in the coming months, likely as part of the December update.
What Pixel 10 Users Can Expect
If the promised GPU driver updates arrive as planned, Pixel 10 users can look forward to smoother gameplay, improved graphics rendering, and better device stability. These updates are also expected to reduce frame skipping and lag, significantly enhancing the gaming experience across popular titles.
While the Pixel 10 remains fast and responsive for daily use, Google’s latest move shows its commitment to ensuring the device performs equally well for gaming enthusiasts. The upcoming updates will not only optimize GPU performance but also strengthen user confidence in Google’s flagship hardware.
By year’s end, the Pixel 10 could deliver a gaming experience more aligned with its premium positioning, balancing visual excellence with system stability for Android gamers worldwide.

