Google to bring new quality-of-life improvements to Pixel 8 Pro and other Pixel devices with new Adaptive Thermal warnings

Mishaal Rahman and Android Authority have discovered a new set of overheating prevention-related features that Google is working towards implementing in its version of Android. For context, the likes of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (curr. $749.99 on Amazon) will switch themselves off without prior warning if they get too hot. This is not exclusive to Pixel devices, though; other Android smartphones and iPhones perform in the same manner.

After digging into version 1.27 of the Device Health Services app, Rahman has determined that Google has added but not yet enabled a suite of warnings that fall under a collective feature called 'Adaptive Thermal'. Please note that while Rahman found the relevant code strings within the app's APK, he could not enable Adaptive Thermal functionality. Thus, it seems that the feature will be refined in one way or another before being deployed.

Nonetheless, the code strings confirm that Google has designed Adaptive Thermal to warn Pixel owners when their device's battery reaches 49 °C that it could be overheat on the verge of overheating. Supposedly, the message will not only inform that performance may be reduced to reduce internal temperatures, but also that the device should be moved away from direct sunlight and to close any power-hungry apps:

If these measures fail to get internal temperatures in check and the device senses its battery has reached 52 °C, then Adaptive Thermal will activate an emergency status. Although Rahman is unsure what happens in emergency mode, a battery temperature of 55 °C is the trigger for Adaptive Thermal to display a final message before shutting down the device 30 seconds later. For reference, we have reproduced the Adaptive Thermal strings below; unfortunately, it is unclear yet when Google will publicly roll out the new functionality.