The monthly Pixel software rollout landed this week—but for Pixel 6a users, the patch may feel more like a punishment than a perk.
A quiet update, a loud message for Pixel 6a owners
Google’s latest Pixel software update arrived Tuesday with its usual calm: a changelog, a version number, and a vague note about security. Most users probably didn’t blink. But those still clutching their Pixel 6a may have noticed something different—and not in a good way.
With update version BP2A.250705.008, the Pixel 6a officially enters what Google’s now calling the Battery Performance Program, or BPP. Doesn’t sound scary, right? But it’s corporate-speak for a process that quietly slows down your device to “optimize battery longevity.” Translation: your phone may feel slower, and there’s not much you can do about it.
What the Battery Performance Program actually means
For Google, this is business as usual. The company says the BPP is part of an effort to extend the usable life of devices as batteries age. And fair enough, battery degradation is real. But Pixel 6a owners weren’t exactly thrilled to learn they were the first to be enrolled.
Google hasn’t shared many details about what the program actually does—just that it “adjusts performance dynamically.” The company also hasn’t explained why the Pixel 6a was chosen to debut the feature.
One guess? Its midrange specs make it a prime candidate for under-the-hood throttling.
• BPP dynamically adjusts performance based on battery health, thermal limits, and device age
• No manual opt-out is available for users
• Google says it helps prevent unexpected shutdowns and overheating
It’s worth noting that Apple faced blowback for a similar move back in 2017, ultimately leading to lawsuits and battery transparency changes. Google appears to be preempting such backlash—but the decision still rubs many Pixel 6a users the wrong way.
Security patches? Not this month.
Adding to the confusion, Google’s July update doesn’t include any new Android security fixes. That’s right—zero. The Android Security Bulletin for July 2025 flatly states: “No Android security patches in this release.”
That’s unusual. Even minor updates typically include at least one or two security tweaks. Whether this signals a shift in how Google packages updates or a delay in upstream patches is anyone’s guess.
And it’s not just Pixel 6a users scratching their heads. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were entirely left out of the update, despite still being within their official support windows. Google hasn’t said why.
Short version: it’s a weird month for Pixel software. Quiet update. Limited fixes. Slower phones.
The device list: who’s in, who’s out
Here’s a breakdown of devices included in the July update rollout:
| Included in July 2025 Update | Excluded from Update |
|---|---|
| Pixel 6a | Pixel 6 |
| Pixel 7, 7 Pro | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Pixel 7a | |
| Pixel Tablet | |
| Pixel Fold | |
| Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a | |
| Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9a | |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold |
The omission of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is particularly surprising. They’re still under software support—officially, at least—and many users were expecting the usual monthly patches. This silence is unsettling for those relying on those devices, especially with growing threats targeting Android phones globally.
Why now? And why just the 6a?
There’s no clear explanation yet. But some tech analysts speculate this is part of a broader effort by Google to clean up its device lineup ahead of the Pixel 10 series—expected to drop later this year.
The Pixel 6a was always a strange fit. Priced aggressively, packed with a first-gen Tensor chip, and launched in mid-2022, it became a popular budget pick. But its battery and thermal performance have long been sore spots. Google might be trying to reduce warranty claims down the road.
Still, the optics aren’t great. Announcing a performance-throttling program without letting users opt in—or even clearly telling them what’s going on—feels less than transparent. Especially when battery life is one of the few things budget Pixel buyers still expect to work well.
Some folks online have even started comparing it to “planned obsolescence.”
So… should Pixel 6a users be worried?
Maybe not right away. For now, most 6a owners won’t feel a difference. The update doesn’t throttle everything at once—it’s designed to scale down slowly, based on how old your battery is and how you use your phone.
But over time? Yeah, things might start feeling sluggish.
The bigger worry is precedent. If Google starts applying this to more devices—especially without clearly notifying users—people are going to push back. It’s one thing to say you’re protecting battery health. It’s another to slow down someone’s phone without asking.
This also raises questions about how Google is positioning its Pixel lineup in the long run. The company’s leaning hard into AI and software innovation, but trust matters too. If updates start feeling like downgrades, that’s a problem.
One sentence here, just to breathe.
For now, if you’re using a Pixel 6a, keep an eye on how it feels over the next few weeks. And if your battery suddenly seems “healthier,” but your apps lag just a bit more—well, now you know why.
