Rainy Nights & Pixel Battery Boost 🔋⚡️

Tech & Science

AppsA: Google Maps power-saving mode lands on Pixel 10 devices. Google announced that the feature can add up to four hours of battery life.

Kris HoltContributing ReporterThu, November 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM UTC

Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro device users now have access to Google Maps’ new power-saving mode, which Google says can extend battery life by up to four hours. The feature is available for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and was announced earlier this month as part of Google’s November 2025 Pixel Drop.

Designed for turn-by-turn navigation, the power-saving mode operates in portrait orientation and functions on the lock screen. When a user taps the power button while utilizing the driving navigation tool, Google Maps automatically switches to a simplified, monochrome view that retains the map layer, mirroring the dark mode map found in the Uber app. This simplified display focuses on key journey details, such as the next turn and estimated travel time, while removing extraneous information like current speed. Users can easily revert to the standard view by pressing the power button or tapping the screen. Furthermore, the app automatically disables power-saving mode upon reaching the destination. This feature is particularly useful for long drives when convenient charging options are unavailable.

Streamlining the Google Maps interface may also contribute to reducing distracted driving. While Google is likely to eventually extend this feature to other devices, the company’s current decision to limit it to the Pixel 10 lineup is a disappointment. Furthermore, it’s possible Google will offer this simplified user interface on the Android Auto version of Google Maps in the future. Google reports that the power-saving mode on the Pixel 10 can extend battery life by up to four hours, which could be particularly beneficial for long drives when charging a mobile device while mounted on a dashboard is not readily accessible.