Google is updating the Pixel 6a to reduce charging speed and battery capacity in response to safety concerns after a device caught fire.
A report from Android Authority found that someone’s Pixel 6a caught fire, and the back of the device melted. Google is taking action after these reports, and the last Android 16 beta mentioned that the Pixel 6a battery capacity and charging speed will be reduced.
Here’s what Google said to Android Authority.
“A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We’ll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.”
Earlier this year, Google rolled out a similar update to the Pixel 4a, and even recalled the device in Australia. Previously, a Pixel user in Toronto had their Pixel 8 burst into flames, so I’m curious to see if that’s also going to spark an update from the company.
Separately, Google has been working on battery health updates across the Pixel line. Pixel phones now have a battery health menu with details about battery capacity, and the company is also working on a battery health assistance feature that will automatically manage battery health.
Source: Android Authority
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