Now that it’s 2026, Pixel 11 series details are starting to pop up, and it looks like one of the first details to surface is regarding Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold and a rumor about its battery. Specifically, the rumor pertains to a patent that Google has filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for certain design aspects. Part of the patent focuses on changes to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold battery design, and the rumor suggests that this change could result in a more repairable device if the battery ever needs to be replaced.
Foldables, including Google’s Pixel Fold models, aren’t exactly among the most repairable devices on the planet. In fact, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold specifically might be a little less consumer-friendly when it comes to user-based repairs. It’s also not exactly that durable . For one, the battery is glued down. This makes getting at it and removing it a pretty big hassle, even if you have the correct tools to get the job done. Google’s design changes for the upcoming model may seek to remedy that situation.
Rumor suggests the Pixel 11 Pro Fold battery will be removable
According to the report from Hypertxt and David from @xleaks 7, Google’s recently filed patent shows pieces of the phone’s internal design that include an updated segment for the battery. The battery is said to come without glue, meaning it could be removed by simply taking out a few mechanical pieces that are designed to hold it in place.
The patent shows off a design where the battery “slides into a shaped pocket, with the battery being held in place mechanically.” The chassis that the battery sits in is also made of metal to help keep the battery grounded, and there are shear stops in place to keep the battery from moving around or twisting. It’s also stated that the design leaves room for wireless charging to be included still. So, it doesn’t look like this new design would force users to give that up.
It’s worth keeping in mind that since this is just a patent, there’s no guarantee that this will make it into a production version of the phone. Google could patent this design and never actually use it. It may also end up testing it, but decide it doesn’t really work in the end. Anything is possible at this moment. However, it’s an exciting prospect that would certainly make for a more consumer-friendly device. Batteries that are held down by glue are pretty anti-consumer. So hopefully, Google decides to make the battery easily removable .
