Google Pulls Pixel 4a Updates After Controversial Battery Patch: What You Need to Know

Google Pulls Pixel 4a Updates After Controversial Battery Patch: What You Need to Know

The Google Pixel 4a, a once-beloved budget-friendly device, has found itself at the center of a controversy in early 2025. Following the release of an Android 13 update intended to address battery performance, Google has taken the drastic step of removing all previous Pixel 4a system updates from its servers. This move has left many users frustrated and confused, raising questions about transparency, device longevity, and Google's approach to handling hardware issues. The initial update, part of the "Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program," was presented as a solution to reported battery degradation in older devices. However, user feedback quickly revealed that the update had unintended consequences, including reduced battery capacity, diminished charging performance, and inaccurate battery level indicators. In response to the backlash, Google has offered affected users a free battery replacement program, along with alternative options such as a cash payment or a discount o…