Apple Explains iPhone Batteries and Offers $29 iPhone Battery Replacement
Posted on December 29, 2017
Apple has released an update explaining iPhone batteries and how aging batteries can impact performance. Apple also announced that it will offer replacement iPhone batteries for $29 (regularly $79) from late January through December 2018.
The update and battery deal is a response to feedback from Apple customers about iPhone battery performance. As Popular Mechanics notes, user concern over iPhone batteries started with a Reddit thread.
Apple says, "First and foremost, we have never - and would never - do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that."
Apple says it reduces iPhone performance as batteries age in order to prevent complete and unexpected shutdowns on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE smartphones. Apple says, "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."
Apple says a number of people using older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s devices still have the original battery. They explain how the chemical aging of rechargeable batteries makes them less capable of delivering peak energy loads and less able to hold a charge.They have a more detailed article here about high impedance and aging lithium-ion batteries. Apple has also provided tips for maximizing battery life and lifespan.
Apple also announced an upcoming iOS software update in early 2018 that will give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone's battery. Apple says details about the $29 out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement will be available soon.
CNBC explains why replacing the battery is a good idea in this video.