The company promises that iOS will offer battery health info in 2018
In a letter to the press, Apple apologizes for misinformation about the power management feature introduced in iOS 10.2.1 that prevents unexpected shutdowns, but also reduces the speed of the processor, ultimately leading to feel of a slower device.
The company had never publicly confirmed that such a ‘feature’ existed in iOS, but after a number of publications proved the relationship between the battery age and the performance, Apple had to explain the situation. The letter is quite long, in which Apple tries to explain the situation with the battery/performance of iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7 and 7 Plus.
About a year ago in iOS 10.2.1, we delivered a software update that improves power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected shutdowns on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. 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.
The company also announced that out-of-warranty battery replacements until December 2018 will cost $29, down from the original price – $79.
Furthermore, iOS update in early 2018 will introduce more transparent battery management, showing whether the battery is affecting performance or not.
However, Apple may be too late in implementing these changes, as the customer trust have already been damaged. We already know that regaining a trust is a long process. Apple should learn that the customer is the most valuable asset.