Google has begun rolling out its monthly Android 16-based software update for July, and while the fixes are welcome, Pixel 6a owners are seeing some extra restrictions under Google’s new Battery Performance Programme.
A Necessary Update with Some Surprise Limits
Google’s latest update started reaching Pixel devices globally on Wednesday. For most users, it’s the typical monthly patch—squashing bugs, tightening performance, improving stability. But for Pixel 6a owners? This one’s bigger than it looks on the surface.
This July rollout marks the first time the Pixel 6a is getting Android 16. And there’s a twist: as part of Google’s Battery Performance Programme, charging on these devices will now be capped to curb battery overheating. That means some users might notice their phones charging slower than usual or not hitting 100%.
What’s Actually Changing in July’s Pixel Update
This month’s software build—tagged BP2A.250705.008—doesn’t throw a ton of new features at users. But it brings a handful of small, important changes that should improve day-to-day usability.
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Wi-Fi stability: One of the most prominent improvements involves Wi-Fi performance. Google says connectivity should be better in “certain conditions,” though it didn’t elaborate.
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Visual fixes for Android Auto: For users who plug into their cars often, Android Auto should now behave more consistently.
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Pixel 6a gets Android 16 officially: And this isn’t just any upgrade—it comes bundled with a new set of limits to help the phone stay cooler under pressure.
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The Battery Performance Programme: Good Intentions or Just Annoying?
For Pixel 6a users, this update is part of a broader Google effort launched earlier this month. The “Battery Performance Programme,” as the company calls it, is meant to stop overheating issues in certain devices. And while it sounds protective, it’s a little controversial.
On paper, it makes sense. Lithium batteries degrade under high heat, and users in hotter climates—or those who regularly charge overnight—have reported battery swell and long-term damage.
But in practice? It means some users might get a slower charge, reduced peak capacity, or power throttling during heavy usage.
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Not All Fixes Are Global
One thing to note: not every Pixel user will see every improvement.
Google itself said that “some fixes may be carrier or region specific,” meaning if you’re on a smaller carrier or in certain countries, your update might behave differently.
Simple as that—if it’s available for your phone, you’ll see a prompt.
Which Pixel Phones Are Eligible for the July Update?
Here’s a quick table showing which Pixel models are receiving the Android 16-based July 2025 update and whether they’re impacted by the Battery Performance Programme:
| Pixel Model | Android 16 July Update | Battery Performance Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6a | ✅ First Android 16 build | ✅ Charging restrictions apply |
| Pixel 6 / 6 Pro | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pixel 7 / 7 Pro | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pixel 8 / 8 Pro | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pixel Fold | ✅ | ❌ |
So, it’s really just the Pixel 6a that’s under new rules.
Mixed Feelings from Pixel Owners
The response online has been a bit of a mixed bag.
Some Pixel 6a users on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) expressed concern about losing full charging capacity—especially those who rely on fast charging to get out the door in the morning.
Others praised Google for putting hardware longevity ahead of short-term convenience. “I’d rather have a healthy battery for two years than fry my phone in six months,” one Redditor wrote.
Still, this change does raise questions about whether users should have been notified more prominently—or even allowed to opt out.
What Comes Next for Android 16 on Pixel Devices?
The Android 16 experience is still pretty fresh for most Pixel phones. While this update was mostly focused on bug fixes and minor enhancements, more features are expected in the coming months, especially once Google gets closer to its Pixel 9 launch later this year.
There’s also the matter of how Android 16 interacts with tablets and foldables, but that’s a whole different story.
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For now, though, July’s update is mostly about stability—with just a little bit of controversy sprinkled in for one particular model.
