In response to ongoing battery problems affecting the Pixel 6a, Google announced that a mandatory update will be rolled out next week to improve battery performance. Prior to this update, the company has removed all over-the-air (OTA) and factory images from its developer website to address these issues.
With a significant number of Pixel 6a users reporting battery-related concerns, Google aims to mitigate any potential hazards resulting from the faulty batteries. This involuntary update is designed to limit battery power in order to prevent further complications or possible injury.
Users of the Pixel 6a discovered on Google’s developer portal that the section for the “Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices” has been cleared of all download links for the Pixel 6a, replaced instead by a placeholder stating “coming soon.” This update is expected to affect every Pixel 6a, reflecting Google’s commitment to ensuring compliance, regardless of user preference. The update will be implemented once a device reaches 400 charging cycles, generally equating to around two years of typical usage.
Earlier this year, a similar situation occurred when Google removed all factory images for the Pixel 4a due to comparable battery issues. When the mandatory update for that model was released, it was the only image made available on the developer site, contrasting with other devices that offer a variety of OTA images.
Google has also indicated that users will have additional choices, such as a complimentary battery replacement or a potential cash payment that could be used as credit towards purchasing a different Pixel device.
