Older Pixel Devices Will Miss Out on One of Android 16’s Most Beneficial Features

Smartphone batteries naturally degrade over time, which makes understanding your device’s battery health crucial for timely replacements. This issue has become increasingly prevalent, notably with the introduction of the Android 16 Beta 3 and its new Battery Health menu, initially supported only on the latest Pixel models. Recently, Google confirmed that the Battery Health menu will not be available on the Pixel 8 series and older devices. As smartphone batteries lose their capability to hold a charge, it becomes essential to monitor this metric to ensure users can replace their batteries when necessary.

Apple has long included a detailed battery health feature on its devices, making it easy for users to gauge their battery’s performance and longevity. Google’s attempt to introduce a similar feature has faced limitations, as seen in the early beta phases of Android 16. While the beta allowed limited access to the Battery Health menu for Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a users, many speculated that restrictions were initially due to a bug. However, an engineer from Google clarified that due to “product limitations,” older Pixel devices will not support this menu.

It’s surprising that the Battery Health menu is restricted to the Pixel 8a, which raises questions about the lack of support for more expensive models. This decision seems counterintuitive, especially since older devices are more likely to require battery replacements. Apple’s approach allows users to check battery health for devices dating back to 2014, showcasing a more inclusive policy. To complicate matters, Google has faced challenges with battery issues on previous Pixel models.

The company has been offering free battery replacements for swollen batteries in the Pixel 7a and released updates addressing battery stability for the Pixel 4a. As the stable release of Android 16 approaches, it remains to be seen whether Google will maintain its current stance regarding the Battery Health feature for the Pixel 8a, especially given its history of shifting policies.