Google says its July software update fixes a battery-drain problem affecting Pixel 9- and 10-series phones, while fixes for the Pixel 8a and 9a are due in September. The issue matters because users reported severely reduced battery life, apparently linked to the phone’s processor running continuously in the background even when the device was unused.

The problem emerged after Google’s April update, prompting reports of phones lasting only a few hours and draining even in aeroplane mode. However, dozens of users say the fault persists despite Google closing its support thread, and the company has not announced a remedy for reportedly affected older Pixel 7- and 8-series devices.