Google confirms 'battery information' will come to Pixel 8a & newer devices

Pixel owners recently noticed the disappearance of a handy battery information page that briefly appeared in Android 14 updates. This feature provided insights into charging cycles and your phone’s battery manufacturing date. Google has now clarified the situation, and there’s exciting as well as disappointing news on the horizon.

While the feature’s initial appearance caused understandable confusion, Google, on an issue tracker post, confirmed that it was always intended for future Pixel devices. Specifically, the in-depth battery stats will debut on the highly anticipated Google Pixel 8a and subsequent Pixel releases.

Status: Won’t Fix (Intended Behavior)
We only enable this page on Pixel 8a and beyond, so this is WAI(Working as Intended)

This statement also indirectly confirms the Pixel 8a’s existence, which has been the subject of much speculation. The reason behind the feature’s unexpected (and temporary) availability on older Pixel models remains a bit of a mystery. Some have suggested it may have been an accidental inclusion during testing. However, the timing could also indicate Google is exploring ways to enhance battery health information on a wider range of devices in future updates.

The Pixel 8a is expected to launch around May 2024, likely coinciding with Google I/O. With the official introduction of the battery information page, we hope to see even more comprehensive features in the future, potentially including accurate battery health percentages like those found on iOS devices.

If you’re a current Pixel owner, don’t despair. While the full battery stats page won’t be coming to your device, there’s a chance Google might introduce some basic battery health metrics in later software updates. And, if you’re in the market for a new Pixel, the 8a and beyond will bring valuable insights to help you understand and optimize your phone’s battery lifespan.