“Apple’s next major update of its mobile software will include an option that will enable owners of older iPhones to turn off a feature that slows the device to prevent aging batteries from shutting down,” the Associated Press reports. “The free upgrade announced Wednesday will be released this spring.”
“The additional controls are meant to appease iPhone owners outraged since Apple acknowledged last month that its recent software updates had been secretly slowing down older iPhones when their batteries weakened,” AP reports. “Many people believed Apple was purposefully undermining the performance of older iPhones to drive sales of its newer and more expensive devices. Apple insisted it was simply trying to extend the lives of older iPhones, but issued an apology last month and promised to replace batteries in affected devices at a discounted price of $50.”
MacDailyNews Note: Incorrect. It’s $50 off. It costs $29 through 2018, down from $79.
“Besides giving people more control over the operation of older iPhones,” AP reports, “the upcoming update dubbed iOS 11.3 will also show how well the device’s battery is holding up.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re more excited about Apple’s improved ARKit and the new augmented reality possibilities it offers, the new Health Records feature, Business Chat in Messages, etc. than we are about the battery stuff.
SEE ALSO:
Apple previews iOS 11.3 with new battery health features, ability to turn processor throttling on and off, and more – January 24, 2018
Tim Cook: ‘Maybe we should have been clearer’ over throttling iPhones with aging batteries – January 18, 2018
China consumer group seeks answers from Apple over batterygate – January 16, 2018
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French prosecutor launches probe into Apple planned obsolescence – January 8, 2018
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Why aging batteries don’t slow down Android phones like Apple iPhones – January 5, 2018
Apple’s $29 replacement batteries expected to hurt new iPhone sales – January 4, 2018
How to see if Apple’s throttling your iPhone – January 4, 2018
Brazilian agency requires Apple to inform consumers on batteries – January 3, 2018
Analyst: Apple’s ‘batterygate’ solution may mean 16 million fewer iPhones sold this year – January 3, 2018
An Apple conspiracy theory blooms – January 2, 2018
Apple clarifies policy on $29 battery replacements: All iPhone 6 and later devices are eligible – January 2, 2018