Android 16 Battery Health Feature Limited to Newer Pixel Devices
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update will bring a much-anticipated Battery Health feature to Pixel phones, allowing users to monitor the overall health and capacity of their device’s battery. However, early reports indicate that this feature will not be available for all Pixel models, sparking some disappointment among owners of older devices.
The Battery Health feature, first introduced in Android 16 Beta 3 in March, provides users with a clear and concise understanding of their battery’s current condition. Accessible through the Settings app under Battery and then Battery Health, the feature displays the Battery capacity as an “estimated percentage of charge the battery can currently hold compared to a new standard battery.” This provides a simple, at-a-glance indicator of the battery’s degradation over time.
The Battery Health screen also includes a reassuring green checkmark when everything is functioning normally, giving users peace of mind. A notification will be shown if there are issues with the battery, encouraging users to be more mindful about their battery usage. The page further offers links to helpful Battery health articles and tips, empowering users to learn more about optimizing battery life and extending the longevity of their devices.
In a recent update, Google has consolidated related battery settings for better user experience. The Charging optimization settings, which include Adaptive Charging and Limit to 80% charging options, have been moved to the bottom of the Battery Health page, making them easier to find and manage. This consolidation streamlines the battery management process, allowing users to control both the charging behavior and monitor the battery health in one location.
Despite the promising features of the Battery Health tool, Google has confirmed that its availability will be limited to newer Pixel devices. In a response to a bug report in the Android Issue Tracker on May 1st, Google stated: "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."
This means that only the Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will initially receive the Battery Health feature when Android 16 is officially released. Owners of older Pixel models, such as the Pixel 8, Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and earlier versions, will not have access to this diagnostic tool.
The decision to restrict the Battery Health feature to newer devices has raised questions and concerns among the Pixel community. Many users are disappointed that they will not be able to monitor the health of their batteries, especially as their devices age and battery degradation becomes more noticeable. Some speculate that the limitation may be due to hardware constraints or software dependencies specific to the newer Pixel models.
The statement from Google referencing Beta 3 instead of the later Beta 4 release is puzzling. This discrepancy may indicate that the rollout plan for the Battery Health feature is still subject to change, or that the feature’s compatibility with different Pixel models is being actively evaluated. It is possible that Google will expand the availability of the feature to older devices in future updates, but there is no confirmation of this at present.
The limited rollout of the Battery Health feature is reminiscent of Google’s approach to Battery information (cycle count), which was initially only available on newer Pixel devices. This suggests that Google may be prioritizing the implementation of advanced features on its flagship models, gradually extending them to older devices as compatibility and resources allow.
For users of older Pixel devices who are concerned about their battery health, there are alternative ways to monitor battery performance. Third-party apps available on the Google Play Store can provide detailed information about battery usage, capacity, and health. Additionally, users can pay attention to the performance of their device and identify signs of battery degradation, such as reduced battery life, slow charging, or unexpected shutdowns.
While the limitations surrounding the Battery Health feature are disappointing for owners of older Pixel models, the feature itself represents a significant step forward in battery management on Android devices. By providing users with clear and actionable insights into their battery health, Google is empowering them to take better care of their devices and extend their lifespan.
As Android 16 continues to develop and approach its official release, it remains to be seen whether Google will expand the availability of the Battery Health feature to a wider range of Pixel devices. In the meantime, users can stay informed about their battery health through alternative methods and look forward to the potential for future updates that bring this valuable feature to more Pixel models.
