Google is finally bringing a long-requested Battery Health feature to Android 16, similar to the iPhone’s, but with a major limitation—it will be available only on select Pixel devices. The feature, spotted in Android 16 Beta 3gives users insights into their phone’s maximum battery capacity and overall health statushelping diagnose sudden battery drops or shutdowns.
Limited Rollout of Battery Health Feature Frustrates Pixel Users
However, not all Pixel users will benefit. According to Google’s Android Issue Tracker, the feature will only be available on Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Proand Pixel 9 Pro Fold. A Google developer confirmed that older models like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro won’t receive the update, citing “product limitations.” The issue has been marked as “Won’t Fix (Infeasible),” frustrating many recent Pixel buyers.
In comparison, Apple has provided battery health information since iOS 11.3 in 2018even on older devices like the iPhone 6. While Google’s introduction of the feature is a step forward, its restricted rollout puts Android further behind in offering comprehensive system-wide battery diagnostics.
Android 16 Battery Health Feature Highlights Ecosystem Fragmentation
It remains unclear whether non-Pixel Android phones will receive this feature. Brands like Samsung and OnePlus already offer battery health tools within their custom Android skins, though typically limited to newer models.
With Android 16’s stable version expected in the coming months, Pixel users eager for battery stats should verify their model’s eligibility. Unfortunately, those with unsupported devices will miss out for now, despite running the latest Android version. This move highlights ongoing fragmentation in Android’s ecosystem, even for essential system-level features.
Summary:
Google’s new Battery Health feature in Android 16 offers key diagnostics but is limited to select Pixel models. Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are excluded, frustrating users. Unlike Apple’s broader rollout, Android’s fragmented support highlights ongoing inconsistency, with no clarity yet on availability for non-Pixel devices or wider Android adoption.
