The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold May Feature a Removable Battery

Published: Jan 16, 2026, 7:42 AM

A recent US patent application indicates that Google could be pursuing a more sustainable approach to extending device lifespans. The introduction of replaceable battery technology might soon be incorporated into flagship Pixel smartphones.

Google's newly filed patent (No. US 2026/0006115 A1) hints at the development of user-friendly devices by including a removable battery. The diagrams provided seem to depict the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, internally referred to as Yogi. Here’s how it would function.

According to the patent illustrations, the phone doesn't simply rely on a “loose” battery. Instead, it is secured within a battery chassis that forms a subassembly. This chassis not only holds the battery but also interlocks with the device's frame and serves as a grounding system.

Essentially, if this patent evolves into a tangible product, it would allow users to replace the battery of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold themselves. Previous designs for removable batteries often faced issues like signal drops and antenna interference, but Google's new approach aims to address these problems.

Current Landscape

For several years, battery technology has been a primary focus for many brands. Companies like OnePlus and Apple strive to create batteries with higher capacity while minimizing space. Meanwhile, Samsung has been working on adopting the universal wireless charging standard, Qi2, across its flagship devices.

Currently, batteries are often "glued shut," necessitating specialized equipment and sometimes heat for repairs — a process that can be unreliable. While this design approach offers convenience to manufacturers by protecting batteries from water and dust damage, it limits consumer accessibility.

However, new EU regulations are mandating changes to the removability of portable batteries in devices, including smartphones. As of February 18, 2027, all smartphones must feature removable batteries that can be replaced by end-users with commercially available tools, without the need for specialized equipment.

This regulatory shift could be a motivating factor behind Google's patent application, allowing the company to establish removable battery technology in its upcoming devices (not just the Pixel 11 Pro Fold) ahead of the curve.

Returning to Basics or Moving Forward?

If the goal of this patent is more than just securing Google’s position in the foldable phone market, and if it materializes with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, it raises an interesting question: Is this a return to basics or a step forward?

In earlier years, all phones came with replaceable batteries, making it easy to swap them out. This patent application evokes a sense of nostalgia for that era. However, today’s brands face more regulations and must also contend with wireless charging, a challenge that earlier manufacturers didn’t have to navigate.

While it’s unlikely that end users will be able to change their phone's battery in just a few minutes, the prospect of launching a foldable phone with an easily replaceable battery certainly piques interest.