According to Google’s official communication and user reports, the July 2025 update to Android 16 will implement “critical battery management features” on “Impacted Devices” – Pixel 6a units that have surpassed 400 charging cycles. Once this threshold is met, the update will actively reduce the phone’s maximum battery capacity and potentially its charging speed. Users may also notice fluctuations in the battery level indicator as the phone adapts to its revised capacity.

This move follows earlier instances of Pixel 6a battery issues, including reports of swollen batteries and even some devices allegedly exploding. While Google states the program is to mitigate these risks, the timing and the nature of the “fix” have left many users feeling frustrated, especially those who rely on their devices for extended periods.