I've waited way too long for Pixels to receive this ridiculously simple gesture.

      Google, just implement the double-tap-to-lock gesture already.

      Every time I transition from any Android device to a Pixel, there's one small gesture that consistently frustrates me. On modern Galaxy phones or even from Xiaomi, I can double-tap an empty space on the home screen to instantly turn off the display. Samsung has included this double-tap feature to switch off the screen since Android 11, but on a Pixel, I still have to press the power button.

      To be fair, Google isn't alone in this; Motorola’s stock Android devices, like the Razr Fold, also lack such a basic function. However, this may soon change. Android Authority has discovered updated code strings within Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3, hinting at Google's long-awaited double-tap-to-sleep feature. Even better, it seems Google has extended this feature beyond the lock screen to the home screen, which is exactly where I need it.

      I’m eager for this feature to be released right away.

      With a double-tap on an empty section of the home screen or lock screen, the display will turn off. Android Authority has also found references to a dedicated settings page that would allow users to toggle the gesture on or off. Previously, Google had been working on a more limited version, which was first identified in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 last year.

      At that time, the description only indicated double-tapping an empty area on the lock screen. Now, over a year later, the updated string explicitly includes the home screen as well. Android's framework even contains support for this functionality. AOSP has a “config_supportDoubleTapSleep” setting that outlines double-tap gestures for non-action areas of both the lock screen and launcher workspace, although it remains disabled by default in the mentioned configuration.

      Other brands have made me wish for it.

      I realize that double-tapping to turn off the screen may seem like a minor feature. However, after using phones that have it, I miss it almost immediately when switching back to a Pixel. It allows me to set my phone down, tap the screen twice, and walk away, which is much more convenient than continually pressing the power button. Larger phones benefit the most from this; imagine a model like the Pixel 11 Pro XL or Pixel 11 Pro Fold, as you don’t have to move your hand just to access the power key.

      Google is definitely arriving late to this particular feature. Yet, you still can't actually enable it on a Pixel—at least, not yet. This discovery came from an APK teardown, and work-in-progress strings do not guarantee that it will make it into a public release. The official Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 release notes do not mention the gesture either.

      So, I hope this changes soon. Android 17 gives Google ample opportunities to enhance the Pixel's capabilities. Sometimes, a simple tap or two makes all the difference. With the latest Pixel 11 series models priced over $1000, the absence of something so basic is quite frustrating.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware.

      The Pixel 11 provides me with three reasons to consider moving away from my iPhone 17, and I fear these will be compelling reasons.

      Google's newest entry-level flagship makes my iPhone 17 appear significantly less appealing.

      As someone whose job involves reviewing smartphones, upgrading each year is mandatory. It's part of the role, and transitioning from my current iPhone 17 to Apple's next baseline model, the iPhone 18, seemed straightforward. However, Apple might not even unveil it this September.

      Pegatron, one of Apple's suppliers, indicated during an earnings call on August 12 that the standard iPhone 18 is not launching next month (via Deccan Chronicle). Only the Pro, Pro Max, and the speculated foldable "Ultra" are anticipated to debut, with the base model being postponed to early 2027. This setback alone derails my plans, but it’s just part of a larger picture involving Apple: the Pixel 11.