Android 16 battery health feature skipping Pixel phones that need it

A Google representative has confirmed an upcoming battery health menu for Pixel devices will only be available on the most recent Made by Google handsets.

The expected Android 16 feature will enable some Pixel owners to monitor the natural degradation of the battery over time, and could indicate when its time for a replacement. The feature appears to be similar to one made available for iPhone all the way back in 2019.

However, those with older Pixel phones starting to feel the strain of years of daily charges, won’t benefit from the feature – only those with the best Pixel phones.

Unfortunately, a Google developer has now confirmed the feature will only be available on the mid-2024 Pixel 8a handset and newer models in the range.

The confirmation comes via the Android Issue Tracker page (via Android Authority) where the the developer reveals it would be “unfeasible” for Google to include this feature on older models due to “product limitations”.

They write: “Thank you for reporting this. The Battery Health Indicator feature is currently supported in Beta 3 on Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 products including 9 Pro Fold. Due to product limitations, this feature will not be available on older in-market Pixel devices.”

Google had initially launched the feature among Android 16 beta users and it’s expected to come to the Pixel 8a and all Pixel 9-series models later this spring when the full consumer version rolls out to Pixel models.

Google has promised the update earlier than usual this year and we’re likely to learn all of the information at an event prior to Google I/O later this month.

Opinion

Of course, the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 phones will benefit from this eventually. However, it’s ironic that the phones most in need will right away will not benefit from it. Google is currently replacing Pixel 7a batteries for free, for example, after they developed a swelling issue. Those folks could sure use a battery health monitor.

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