Earlier this year, Google accidentally released a firmware update for its Pixel 4a smartphone. Many users reported that the update made their devices unreliable or even unusable, leading them to question whether the update was really necessary. Now, an Australian organization has revealed the real reason behind the update.

Google launched a so-called "battery performance plan" in January this year, saying that some Pixel 4a phones need new battery management features to prevent performance degradation. The company warned users that the update may reduce the battery capacity of some devices and offered a limited compensation package to affected users.

After the update rolled out, many Pixel 4a users discovered the full impact of Google's warning. Some phones are nearly unusable and have drastically reduced battery life. The new firmware has left many Pixel owners disappointed, as Mountain View appears to have decided to undercut the performance of a discontinued device, only to offer meager refunds as compensation.

Now, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed a more serious and legitimate reason for the update. The organization recently issued a recall notice for Google Pixel 4a smartphones sold in Australia between 2020 and 2022, citing the risk of overheating that could cause fire or burns.

According to the ACCC, the issue does not affect all Pixel 4a variants, meaning the firmware update may have no impact on battery management in some cases. In addition, the Australia Commission also referred to Google's compensation plan, which allows customers to trade in older devices for small compensation.

Prior to the Australian Chamber of Commerce’s recall plan, Google had not made a clear statement on the possible overheating problem of Pixel 4a. Google said Australian authorities opted for a "voluntary" recall program. The company added that phones that haven't been updated are still technically available for now.

Users reported that Google's firmware update severely affected the battery's ability to charge. Some phones now only last a few hours before needing to be recharged - almost a state of "unavailability" in today's mobile-driven world.

According to code analysts who checked the update, the Pixel 4a battery is divided into two categories: ATL and LSN. Google has set a charging capacity cap for LSN batteries to reduce the risk of overheating.