On Wednesday, Apple said that the release of a software feature last year that makes older phones operate at slower speeds is to counter problems with older lithium-ion batteries. Degraded batteries cannot hold charges as well as newer batteries, therefore worsening operating problems on phones that have a low charge and low temperature.
Aging battery problems especially hit the iPhone 6 and 6S evident by the unexpected shutdowns last year. Processors in these devices want to go faster but the batteries cannot provide the juice necessary to operate at those speeds prompting the phone to switch off.
To counter, Apple's iOS software, beginning with iOS 10.2.1, included better power management capabilities. The operating system slows down the device to prevent it from shutting off but only in case of low temperatures and battery charge, Apple says.
This feature was applied last year to the iPhone 6, 6Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, and SE with iOS 11.2 extending the feature to iPhone 7 and 7Plus. Future devices will also carry this feature in their operating systems.
Apple has assured this is to provide a better product and service to its customers but some feel that the company does this intentionally to promote sales as new models hit the market.
Some ways to get around these problems is to replace the battery of a phone not covered by warranty for $79 rather than replacing an entire phone.
Source: cnet.com
