Google's switch to TSMC leaves Samsung scrambling to figure out what went wrong; fix for broken navigation in Android 16 upcoming

It seems like Google’s breakup with Samsung for its Tensor chips was pretty much one side. Reports suggest Samsung was left stunned following Google’s decision to switch manufacturers. Meanwhile, a fix is on the way for a pesky bug affecting users of the new Android 16 operating system.

A partnership under strain

Google and Samsung have been tight-knit partners for a while. Since the Pixel 6 launched in 2021, Samsung’s foundry churned out the Tensor chips powering Google’s smartphones. But that relationship has taken a turn. Google’s now tapped TSMC to build the Tensor G5 chip for the upcoming Pixel 10, due later this year. This isn’t a fresh headline — rumors of the switch have swirled for months — but it’s still a big deal.

Samsung apparently didn’t see this coming, according to a report. The company’s Device Solutions division is buzzing with strategic meetings to figure out what went wrong. They’re digging into everything from production hiccups to lost software edge, hoping to claw back their standing. Losing Google stings since Samsung’s foundry has already shed other big clients like Qualcomm in recent years.

Samsung’s foundry has reportedly struggled with yield rates for its advanced 3-nanometer process, meaning fewer usable chips were being produced from each silicon wafer. This inefficiency can be costly and unreliable. Furthermore, it’s been suggested that Samsung’s library of semiconductor intellectual property (IP) was not robust enough to meet Google’s increasingly complex demands for performance and on-device AI capabilities. The growing rivalry between the two companies in the foldable phone market may have also played a role in Google’s desire for a more neutral manufacturing partner.

The perception that TSMC offers a superior product is now a major challenge for Samsung, which is reportedly planning significant changes to regain its competitive edge.

Android 16 navigation glitch to be squashed

On the software front, Google is moving to address a frustrating issue for early adopters of Android 16. Shortly after the new operating system’s release, users began reporting a bug that caused the navigation controls — both the classic three-button setup and the modern gesture system — to randomly freeze or become unresponsive.

The problem, which appears to affect all Pixel models capable of running Android 16, can make basic phone use a chore. While users have found temporary workarounds, such as restarting their device or clearing the cache of the Pixel launcher, a permanent solution has been highly anticipated.

Relief is in sight. In a statement reported by Artem Russakovskii, founder of Android Police, Google has confirmed that it has successfully fixed the bug internally.

This correction is slated to be included in the very next software update for Android 16. While an exact release date hasn’t been provided, Pixel owners can expect a smoother navigation experience very soon.