Your Pixel phone might not get one of Android 16’s best features
If you’re a proud owner of an older Pixel phone, brace yourself for a potential disappointment. It seems that as Android 16 gears up to introduce a new Battery Health menu, the joy might be limited to newer Google devices released in the past year or so. This feature, highly anticipated by many, is poised to provide users with a detailed breakdown of their battery cell’s degradation over time and usage—a feature that has long been a staple in Apple’s iPhone lineup.
The unveiling of the Battery Health menu within the Android 16 Beta 3 has stirred quite a buzz among Pixel users. However, the excitement might be short-lived for those with older Pixel models. According to Google, this feature will be exclusive to Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 series, including the 9 Pro Fold, due to certain product constraints. This decision leaves older in-market Pixel devices out of the loop—at least for now.
While there’s a glimmer of hope that the new Battery Health menu could trickle down to older Pixel devices in the future, Google’s initial stance suggests a focus on more recent models. The statement specifically mentions that older in-market Pixel devices won’t support this feature, hinting that even the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in late 2023, might miss out on this handy feature.
Imagine the irony of Google potentially excluding its flagship devices like the Pixel 8 Pro from a feature that could be available on the more budget-friendly Pixel 8a. It raises questions about the company’s prioritization and support for its diverse lineup of devices. Will this move leave users of older Pixel phones feeling left out of the latest innovations?
As Google continues to refine its software offerings, the fate of older Pixel devices hangs in the balance. While the company’s current focus seems to be on newer models, the tech community eagerly awaits further updates on whether the Battery Health menu will eventually reach a broader range of Pixel users. Stay tuned for more developments on this intriguing feature divide within the Pixel ecosystem.