Google to release mandatory update for Pixel 6a: battery overheating protection
From 8 July, Google will begin a forced Android 16 release for the Pixel 6a that will reduce battery capacity on devices with more than 400 charge cycles. This is a safety measure after several cases of overheating - some devices even caught fire.
What exactly the update does
The update will automatically install on all Pixel 6a starting 8 July, but will only affect "affected" devices - those with batteries older than 400 charge cycles. Owners will receive a notification on the 375th cycle to prepare for the change.
The main goal is to reduce the risk of overheating without reaching critical cases where the battery could ignite. Once the mechanism is switched on, the following consequences are possible:
- Less autonomy between charges
- Slower charging time
- Unstable battery level display while the system reconfigures the data
Why Google is doing this
There have already been at least two cases this year where the Pixel 6a overheated and even caught fire, in one case overnight while charging. Google has already faced a similar situation with the Pixel 4a and launched a free battery replacement. Now the situation is recurring and the company is being proactive.
Source: The Verge
