Pixel 6a: Mandatory update to reduce battery capacity to be released on July 8
From July 8, the Pixel 6a receives a mandatory update. This will reduce battery performance of the affected devices after a specific amount of charging cycles.
Pixel 6a.
(Image: heise online / Patrick Bellmer)
In mid-June, Google reported battery problems with the Pixel 6a and announced a mandatory software update to reduce potential overheating problems. The company has now given a date for the distribution of the update and explained that new battery management functions would only be introduced for affected devices.
New battery management not for all Pixel 6a
As Google explains in a support document, all Pixel 6a models will receive the mandatory update. However, the new battery management will only be activated for an unspecified number of “affected devices”. This is intended to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating.
“Some users will see the changes sooner than others, as the battery management features will only be activated once an affected device has reached 400 charge cycles,” explains Google. According to the company, an initial reminder will be sent to an affected device when it reaches 375 charging cycles.
Google also explains that the new battery function will reduce the battery capacity and charging performance on affected devices. This could result in “shorter battery life between charges on affected devices”. Users of affected devices may also notice other changes, including “reduced charging performance or short-term changes in the battery status display on the smartphone while it is determining the new battery capacity”.
Battery replacement possible from July 21
Google is offering users of an affected device a free battery replacement. Similar to the Pixel 4a and 7a, the company is offering a support website, where you can find out whether your device qualifies for a battery replacement.
In Germany, owners of the device must visit an authorized repair store for the battery replacement; there is no send-in option as there is in the USA, for example. Google also points out that devices with further damage “caused by liquids, sharp objects or excessive force” “may” be denied a free battery replacement under the program.
Videos by heise
As an alternative to the repair, Google is also offering a one-off payment or a discount code for Google hardware that can be redeemed when purchasing another Pixel smartphone in the Google Store. According to Google, users have one year from July 8 to register their device and choose one of the support options.
(afl)
