Apple confirmed it intentionally slows down the performance of some iPhone models in a statement last year.
The decision was made to avoid unexpected shutdowns that had plagued iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE handsets with ageing batteries.
In its statement, Apple explains: “With the update, iOS dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown.
“While these changes may go unnoticed, in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance.
“Customer response to iOS 10.2.1 was positive, as it successfully reduced the occurrence of unexpected shutdowns.
“We recently extended the same support for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in iOS 11.2.
“Of course, when a chemically aged battery is replaced with a new one, iPhone performance returns to normal when operated in standard conditions.”
A new video shared online has revealed to what extent performance is affected by an ageing battery cell.
The video clip, shared by Bennett Sorbo, showcases his iPhone 6S before and after the battery replacement.
Sorbo says his handset was purchased two years ago and the performance of the smartphone was being throttled prior to his battery replacement with Apple.
What makes the video so fascinating is that it shows the same smartphone – the only thing that has changed is the battery inside.
During the clip, Sorbo walks through a number of everyday tasks, including opening apps and browsing in Safari.
The difference in performance between the two clips is pretty astounding – even for simple tasks like loading a homepage.
However, the throttling is at its most notable when the iPhone 6S is challenged with graphic and information intense tasks.
At the end of the video, Sorbo runs a Geekbench test on the smartphone.
Geekbench scores are designed to help users quickly compare performance across different computers and different platforms without getting bogged down in details of specs.
In a nutshell, higher Geekbench scores are always better.
The throttled iPhone 6S scored a 2485 in multi-core testing, while the same test with a new battery scored a 4412 – a pretty sizeable difference.
In its next software release, iOS 11.3, Apple will include new power management controls, such as the ability to disable automatic throttling and risk unexpected shutdowns.
Apple will also display details on the wear and tear of the battery inside your smartphone.
Apple’s written apology was accompanied by the announcement that the company will reduce the cost of out-of-warranty battery replacements.
Battery replacements in an Apple Store have dropped by £54 — from £79 to £25 — for anyone with an iPhone 6 or newer whose battery needs to be replaced.
The new pricing will be available worldwide until December 2018.
Apple concludes in its statement, “At Apple, our customers’ trust means everything to us.
“We will never stop working to earn and maintain it. We are able to do the work we love only because of your faith and support — and we will never forget that or take it for granted.”