Google Pixel 10 Drops a Beloved Feature, and Fans Are Furious

In a move that has left many Pixel enthusiasts scratching their heads, Google has quietly removed one of the most practical features from its latest flagship lineup. With the launch of the Pixel 10 series, Google embraced the faster Qi2 wireless charging standard—but in doing so, it sacrificed a fan-favorite function: Battery Share.

The Feature That Made Pixel Phones Stand Out

Battery Share first debuted with the Pixel 5 back in 2020, and it quickly became one of the most loved features in the Pixel ecosystem. It allowed users to wirelessly charge other Qi-certified devices—like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone—simply by placing them on the back of the Pixel. No cables, no fuss, just effortless power-sharing on the go.

For years, this feature was a lifesaver in pinch situations. Running low on your Galaxy Buds? Pop them on the back of your Pixel. Friend’s phone dying? Share some juice without reaching for a cable. It was the kind of thoughtful, user-centric innovation that made Pixel phones feel special.

So, What Happened with the Pixel 10?

The culprit? Magnets.

With the Pixel 10, Google adopted Qi2, which relies on magnets to ensure perfect alignment between the phone and wireless chargers. While this improves charging efficiency and enables the new Pixelsnap accessory ecosystem (magnetic stands, cases, and more), it also created a physical conflict with Battery Share.

According to Google, the magnet array that enables secure Qi2 connections “creates a strong connection with the charger but presents a physical limitation for reverse wireless charging.” In other words, the very magnets that make your Pixel snap perfectly onto a charger are blocking it from sharing power with other devices.

A Growing Trend in the Android World

Google isn’t alone in this shift. As more Android manufacturers adopt Qi2, the same limitation is likely to appear across the board. Samsung, for example, has managed to keep reverse wireless charging on its latest Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it remains to be seen how long they can maintain that balance as Qi2 becomes the new standard.

Fans React: “Why Fix What Isn’t Broken?”

The news hasn’t gone over well with the Pixel community. Longtime users have taken to forums and social media to express their disappointment. Many argue that Battery Share was one of those small but mighty features that set Pixel apart from the competition—especially from Apple, which has yet to offer a similar function on iPhones.

Google has hinted that it’s “constantly exploring future innovations,” leaving the door open for a potential workaround or revival of the feature in future models. But for now, Pixel 10 owners will have to rely on traditional wired charging or portable battery packs to help out their accessories.

The Bigger Picture

This change highlights a growing tension in smartphone design: the push for faster, more efficient charging versus the desire for versatile, user-friendly features. As wireless charging evolves, manufacturers will need to find creative solutions to keep beloved functions like Battery Share alive.

For now, though, one thing is clear: the Pixel 10 may be faster and more stylish than ever, but it’s also lost a little bit of its soul in the process.

Tags: Google Pixel 10, Qi2 wireless charging, Battery Share, Pixelsnap, reverse wireless charging, Pixel 5, Galaxy Z Fold 7, magnetic charging, smartphone features, tech news

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