The recent Android 16 QPR1 beta 2 update introduces a new battery health assistance feature for Pixel devices. This feature is designed to regulate the charging speed and assist in maintaining battery integrity over time. The rollout comes in the wake of various reports concerning battery issues with older Pixel models, positioning this update as a proactive measure. Initially announced alongside the Pixel 9a, this battery health assistance option effectively manages the battery’s maximum voltage in stages, a process that begins after 200 charging cycles and continues up to 1,000 cycles.
The updates were first spotted by a Telegram user, who shared their experience with the feature on their Pixel 7 Pro. According to Google’s support page, users may observe slight reductions in battery life and minor fluctuations in charging speed as the adjustments are implemented. While battery health assistance is mandatory for the Pixel 9a, it remains an optional feature for other Pixel devices. Google confirmed this distinction following a delay in the Pixel 9a’s release due to quality concerns regarding a component.
The introduction of this feature also aligns with a series of troubling reports from users of older Pixel-A models, especially involving incidents where devices like the Pixel 6a reportedly caught fire when using non-OEM chargers. Additionally, Google announced a battery replacement program for the Pixel 7a to address concerns over swollen batteries. Prior updates to the Pixel 4a significantly impacted battery performance, and it was later revealed that some of these devices faced overheating risks as identified by consumer watchdog organizations. For users interested in the latest updates or wanting to share tips, there is an open invitation to contact the Android Authority staff via email.
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