Pixels to Get New Battery-Saving Feature Soon
▼ Summary
– Google’s new battery health feature for Pixel phones adjusts voltage and charging to extend battery lifespan, based on usage patterns.
– The feature was discovered in a Pixel 9 APK teardown and will be located in battery health settings, likely optional for most Pixels but mandatory for the Pixel 9a.
– It will stage voltage adjustments starting at 200 charge cycles, up to 1000, to stabilize battery performance as it ages.
– The feature automatically tunes charging speed based on battery capacity but does not allow user customization, according to Google’s support page.
– The rollout is expected with Android 16 this summer, with recent findings suggesting an imminent release for some Pixel models.
Google Pixel phones are set to receive a smart battery health feature designed to prolong battery lifespan by intelligently managing charging patterns and voltage adjustments. This upcoming functionality, discovered in a recent Pixel 9 software teardown, will likely debut with Android 16 later this year. While initially optional for most Pixel models, it may become a fixed setting on the Pixel 9a.
A deep dive into the latest Pixel 9 firmware by developer AssembleDebug revealed active battery health settings hidden within the device’s system. Located under Battery Health in the settings menu, the feature allows users to toggle it on or off, though this choice might not extend to the Pixel 9a. Screenshots shared by the developer show the interface, which includes a detailed explanation of how batteries degrade over time and why proactive management matters.
The feature works by gradually adjusting voltage levels as the battery accumulates charge cycles, starting at 200 cycles and scaling up to 1,000. This staged approach helps maintain stable performance while slowing natural wear. Additionally, it automatically modifies charging speeds based on the battery’s current capacity, though users won’t have manual control over these adjustments.
Google’s support documentation clarifies that batteries are consumable parts, and while this tool won’t stop aging entirely, it aims to optimize longevity before replacement becomes necessary. Early testing suggests the feature is nearly ready for release, with Android 16 expected to bring it to supported Pixel devices this summer.
Though not yet live, the groundwork is clearly in place. The discovery of these settings in the Pixel 9’s firmware hints at an imminent rollout, giving users a glimpse of how Google plans to tackle one of smartphones’ most persistent issues: battery degradation.
(Source: Android Central)
