Pixel 6a to Receive Mandatory Android 16 Update That Limits Battery Performance

Starting July 8, 2025, Google will push a mandatory Android 16 update to Pixel 6a devices, introducing battery management features aimed at preventing potential overheating. The update will gradually reduce battery capacity and charging performance—but only after a device surpasses 400 charge cycles.

Google says affected users will begin to notice the change after hitting this threshold, and will receive advance warnings at 375 and 400 cycles. This change follows reports of two Pixel 6a phones catching fire, though Google hasn’t officially linked the update to those incidents.

To support users concerned about performance degradation, Google is offering options such as battery replacements or compensation. One former Pixel user in the UK reported being offered either $100 in cash or $150 in Google Store credit.

Though battery life may eventually decline, the update is meant to extend device safety. Google implemented a similar approach for Pixel 4a users earlier this year. Pixel 6a devices will continue receiving updates until 2027, so users may benefit from battery replacements rather than upgrading right away.