Google is gearing up to introduce a highly anticipated Battery Health menu as part of the Android 16 update for Pixel smartphones. However, this new feature will only be available on newer Google devices released in the past year or so, leaving older Pixel phones potentially left behind.
The Battery Health menu has been a long-awaited addition to Android, with snippets of its code surfacing in previous updates before making its debut in the Android 16 Beta 3. This menu is designed to provide users with valuable insights into the degradation of their phone’s battery over time and use, a feature that has long been available on Apple’s iPhone models.
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When asked why the Battery Health menu was not available on older Pixel devices, a Google representative explained that the feature is currently supported on the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 series, including the 9 Pro Fold. However, older Pixel devices, including the Google Pixel 8 Pro launched in late 2023, will not have access to this feature due to product limitations.
While this statement suggests that the feature may not be included in older Pixel devices for the Android 16 beta, there is still a possibility that it could be introduced in future updates. The decision to exclude older devices seems to be focused on models released within the past year, such as the Google Pixel 8a.
It would certainly be disappointing for users if a budget-friendly Pixel device had access to a new feature that flagship models like the Pixel 8 Pro did not. Google may need to address this discrepancy to ensure a consistent user experience across its product lineup.
