Apple has apologized for deliberately slowing down older iPhones without telling customers about it.
All iPhone 6s are deliberately slowed down in what Apple claims is an attempt to extend the life of the devices.
However, consumers believe the move was part of a concerted effort to push them to upgrade to newer models, a claim strongly denied by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Apple not only apologized, but also promised to lower the cost of replacing batteries for older iPhones through a replacement program that could breathe new life into older phones and save you a fortune.
So what was the problem?
Owners of older iPhones have long complained about poor battery life and poor performance after updating to the latest version of iOS.
In December, it was revealed that the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, and iPhone 7 models were deliberately slowed down. Often this meant that the iPhone suddenly turned off or quickly lost its charge.
What was the reaction?
Apple originally said it was implementing this feature to improve iPhone performance.
But users in the US quickly filed class action lawsuits, saying Apple's actions amounted to planned obsolescence, the practice of slowing down older smartphones to push users to upgrade at a huge personal expense.
What does Apple have to say for itself?
After confirming before Christmas that it was intentionally slowing down older iPhones, Apple came to the conclusion and apologized to its customers by issuing an open letter trying to explain why it did it, as well as reporting from the inside about how smartphone batteries lose charge. time.
“We know that some of you feel that Apple let you down. We apologize,” the post reads.
“First of all, we will never, ever do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product or degrade the user experience to encourage customer upgrades.
“Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and ensuring the longest life of an iPhone is an important part of that.”
And now what?
Apple says it will offer anyone with an iPhone 6 or newer a new battery for just £25. This represents a reduction of £54 from the previous price of £79 for installing a new battery at an official Apple store or reseller.
Full list of iPhone models included in the battery replacement program:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
This should give old phones a new lease of life, eliminating the need to update them and improving overall performance.
Naturally, since the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X only came out last year, owners are unlikely to experience battery issues as a result of upgrading their phones.
But for what it's worth, they'll still claim a cheap battery replacement.
So when does the program start?
Apple users in the UK can get a new, cheaper battery right now.
The iPhone Battery Replacement Program will be available year-round and ends in December.
What else has Apple planned?
Apple also announced that it will be releasing a new version of iOS 11 later this month that will give users a better idea of their iPhone's battery health "so they can see for themselves if it affects performance."
How do I know if my phone is damaged?
If you have an older iPhone and are concerned about slowing down, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. It is quite obvious that the battery will drain quickly or your iPhone will turn off without warning, even if there seems to be a lot of juice left.
It may also be slow when performing basic tasks such as opening social media apps or web pages. In this case, you should definitely talk to Apple. And remember, you don't have to have a defective battery to get a new one for £25.
Will a new battery improve my iPhone's selling price?
While this may extend the life of your iPhone, buying a new battery will most likely not affect the commercial price. This is because the exchanges are based on the age of the phone in question and not on internal spec changes made by the consumer.
However, it's worth mentioning this to your provider when it comes to updating your phone.
Does Apple have restrictions on iPhone battery replacement?
Yes. Speaking to a money-saving expert, Apple said the iPhone is “qualified as long as there is no accidental or liquid damage. There must also be no unauthorized repairs by third parties. This means that any previous repairs must have been performed by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and not by a third party.”
Will I have to pay if I have AppleCare+?
If your AppleCare+ policy is up to date, you should be able to replace the battery without paying £25. Similarly, if your iPhone is under warranty, you are entitled to a free battery replacement. iPhone is covered by a 12-month limited warranty after purchase.
My iPhone is a refurbished model. Am I eligible?
If the repair was done by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller, then yes. If your iPhone is used, just ask Apple to run a diagnostic test to see if it fits.
How can I start the process?
You can go to your local Apple Store and make an appointment at the Genius Bar. However, Apple's online system does not have the ability to check if the store you are booking from has the right battery. So the best way to avoid unnecessary trips to your local store is to call ahead to make sure they have the right battery in stock.
You can contact Apple by phone, email, online chat, or Twitter. A support agent will then run a remote diagnostic test on your iPhone to see if it meets the criteria, then set up an appointment for you at an Apple store or arrange for your device to be mailed in for repair.
Surely the process is already overpriced. Will there be enough batteries to meet demand?
In the days after the iPhone battery replacement program was launched in the UK, there was a flurry or reports claiming that Apple was telling customers it was out of batteries. And that they would have to wait until March to change their power supply.
But, to Apple's credit, that doesn't seem to be the case.
We're hearing that customers can make quick appointments at the Apple Store. And, even more impressively, some users say the tech giant replaced their batteries while they waited, sometimes for 45 minutes or so.
However, these are the first days. As word spreads about Apple's iPhone battery replacement offer, there is likely to be a shortage of batteries. So better grab yours while you can.
If Apple doesn't have the right battery for your phone in stock, they can order one for you, but you might have to wait a bit for one to arrive.
I love my iPhone 6 but it keeps turning off. Should you buy a new phone?
If you love your aging iPhone but can't handle the constant blackouts, the battery replacement program is designed just for you.
While laying out its plans to offer new batteries on the cheap, Apple explained that putting a new battery in an old iPhone would give it new life. This means there will no longer be a quick battery drain or shutdown when it gets cold.
Don't throw hundreds around if you can get a couple more years out of your iPhone for just £25.
My iPhone 7 was damaged, but it's only 18 months old. Is it worth just upgrading?
Because most phone contracts last 24 months, switching to a new phone can be costly and include additional fees depending on your deal and network.
While those who directly own their iPhone may want to make changes, there really isn't a reason to.
The iPhone 7 remains a powerful device that still excels at everyday tasks.
Apple will install a new battery in it until a third-party repair voids its terms. For us, this is a smart move that will also save you money.
My iPhone 16 GB has an old battery and no space. What is my best bet?
While you can always buy additional iCloud space to store photos and other content, the lack of storage tends to make most iPhone owners bite the bullet and buy a new phone.
If you've already moved content from your phone to your PC or Mac, but you're still getting notifications that you need more space, it might be worth buying a new device instead.
While the more affordable iPhone SE models come in 32GB and 128GB variants, remember that many top Android phones offer expandable storage via microSD.
I had it with Apple. Is it worth it to recharge the battery and then sell it?
This is a good option for those unhappy with Apple's decision to slow down older phones and then make users pay for new batteries. Purchasing a new power supply will extend the life of your iPhone by making it more valuable on direct selling sites like eBay and Gumtree.
However, if you want to trade through the network, this will most likely not affect the price you get. In any case, the likes of the OnePlus 5T, with top features and half the price of the iPhone X, are undoubtedly a solid alternative to Apple and its dubious approach to its consumers.
