Evidence is mounting that Google’s Pixel 10 series will support Qi2 wireless charging, including built-in magnets, finally offering a mainstream Android alternative to Apple’s MagSafe. The latest sign is a leaked image of the Pixel 10 with what appears to be a magnetic wireless charging puck attached to the back.

The leaked image comes from the reliable leaker Evan Blass, and shows a bright blue Pixel 10 — the base model, going by other renders we’ve seen so far — with what appears to be a wireless charging puck attached magnetically to the back. It’s part of a selection of leaked images of the Pixel 10 phones, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A that corroborate previous leaks. 

The puck is likely part of the “PixelSnap” accessory line previously leaked by Android Authority, though we haven’t seen this specific charger before. That leak, along with a separate report of a PixelSnap phone case, left open the possibility that Google would rely on magnets included in phone cases for magnetic wireless charging, much like Samsung has in its S25, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 handsets. Since this image shows the charger attaching directly to the phone, it appears Google has instead followed Apple and included magnets in the phone itself.

Factor in a separate Android Headlines leak claiming that the Pixel 10 line will be very slightly thicker and heavier than the previous generation, and there’s increasing reason to think that Google has decided to opt for full, magnetic Qi2 support.

Qi2 is an industry-wide magnetic wireless charging standard based on MagSafe, developed with Apple’s support. So far only a single Android phone includes it, the HMD Skyline, though those recent Samsung flagships are certified Qi2 Ready since they require a compatible case to supply the magnets. Qi2 was recently upgraded with up to 25W charging speeds, at which point the Wireless Power Consortium announced that “major Android smartphones will join the Qi2 ecosystem.” It looks like the Pixel 10 phones will be the first.

Google seems to have revealed its entire Pixel 10 lineup a little less than a month before its launch event. On Wednesday, Android Authority said it managed to uncover a banner of the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold while “poking around” on the Google Play Store on Android.

The banner doesn’t appear directly on the Play Store right now, which means Android Authority likely took some extra steps to enable it. Still, it clearly shows all four devices with the text, “Meet the new Pixel 10 Series.” The Pixel 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and 10 Pro seem to appear in the silver-blue “Moonstone” color, while the base Pixel 10 is shown in bright blue.

The designs — and colors — of the devices in the banner line up with the flood of leaks we’ve seen in recent weeks, including the teaser shared by Google itself. The banner also shows a promotion offering $50 off the devices that will remain in effect until October 13th.

Rumors suggest that Google is planning updates across the Pixel 10 lineup, including adding a third camera to the base Pixel 10, giving the Pixel 10 Pro a spec bump, and dustproofing its Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Google is set to launch its Pixel 10 lineup during its Made by Google event on August 20th.

Google's Pixel phones have grown from a curiosity to become some of the best smartphones you can buy, featuring excellent cameras and lengthy support. Unfortunately, they are also gaining a reputation for battery defects. For the second time in a year, Google has announced that it will render some of its past phones almost unusable with a software update, and users don't have any choice in the matter.

After nerfing the Pixel 4a's battery capacity earlier this year, Google has now confirmed a similar update is rolling out to the Pixel 6a. The new July Android update adds "battery management features" that will make the phone unusable. Given the risks involved, Google had no choice but to act, but it could choose to take better care of its customers and use better components in the first place. Sadly, a lot more phones are about to end up in the trash.

Bad batteries

Lithium-ion has become the technology of choice for rechargeable batteries due to its high energy density and reliability compared to other options. However, storing and releasing energy day after day causes inevitable wear and tear. Electrolytes that transport electrons can decompose into flammable gases and puff up your battery into a spicy little pillow, for example. Batteries also form clumps of lithium ions called dendrites, which grow and can cause internal shorts. This damage is accelerated by heat, and batteries get warmer the faster and longer they charge.

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Google rolled out a bunch of new features with Android 16 on Tuesday, but the company appears to be saving its big Material 3 Expressive redesign for a future update. The update doesn’t feature the design language’s revamped elements, and a source tells Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman that Google is planning to launch the new look on September 3rd, 2025, instead.

With Android 16, Google is starting to roll out support for Live Updates with progress-centric notifications and enhanced settings for users with hearing aids. The updates are coming to Pixel devices first, but according to Google, Android users will have to wait for another update to see Live Updates “fully realized.”

Google officially took the wraps off Material 3 Expressive following a leak last month, which features updates to icon shapes, type styles, and color palettes with “more natural, springy animations” across the Android interface. You can still check out some Material 3 Expressive updates in the Android 16 QPR1 beta that’s available now, but Rahman notes that Google plans on launching more design updates in the next Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.

Google is expected to include Android’s desktop mode in a September launch as well. The new mode, which builds on Samsung’s DeX platform, optimizes apps and content for large-screen devices. It will allow you to resize multiple app windows across your screens, as well as connect phones and tablets to external displays for a desktop-like experience. Users with a Pixel 8 and up can try out these features in the Android 16 beta, but the rest of us will likely have to wait a few more months.

Google’s upcoming base Pixel 10 might come with primary and ultrawide cameras that match the hardware recently introduced in the budget Pixel 9A, which aren’t as good as the cameras on the Pixel 9, Android Authority reports. However, the new phone may get a telephoto camera, which the Pixel 9 and other base Pixels haven’t had. 

As for the Pixel 10 Pro devices, Android Authority reports that they will have the same camera hardware as the 9 Pro, which could indicate that Google may lean more on the abilities of its expected next-generation Tensor G5 chip to improve photos.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is rumored to have an almost identical design to the previous model, might also get the Pixel 9A’s primary shooter.

Last year, Google announced its Pixel 9 lineup in August, and it’s possible that the company could pick that timeframe again to launch the Pixel 10 series. The company will release the Pixel 9A on April 10th.