Overview

• Google rolled out a mandatory Android 16 update on July 8 that throttles Pixel 6a battery capacity and charging performance once devices exceed 400 charge cycles.
• Owners of impacted Pixel 6a models sold between June 2022 and April 2025 in Chalk, Sage and Charcoal colors have until July 8, 2026 to claim a free battery replacement, $100 cash payment or $150 Google Store credit.
• This move follows multiple overheating incidents and a third recent fire on July 26 that ignited bedsheets and left a user with persistent respiratory irritation.
• Some users say their devices overheated even after installing the update and report limited access to walk-in repair centers and insufficient advance warning.
• Product Safety Australia and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have issued warnings and recall notices over serious burn and fire hazards tied to aging Pixel 6a batteries.