Does Apple intentionally make its older devices run slower to boost demand for its newer products?

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In 2017, Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down older iPhones through software updates, claiming that the reason was to prevent unexpected shutdowns due to aging batteries. The company explained that as batteries age, they become less capable of supplying peak power, and the throttling was meant to protect the devices and prolong their lifespan. However, many consumers felt that the company should have been more transparent about this practice.

In response to the controversy, Apple apologized and offered reduced pricing for battery replacements for affected devices. The company also introduced a new feature in iOS that allows users to monitor their battery's health and disable performance throttling if they choose to do so.

While it is true that Apple has been found to slow down older devices in certain cases, it is essential to recognize that the company stated their intention was to protect devices and extend their lifespan, rather than boost sales of new products. However, the lack of transparency surrounding this practice led to skepticism and criticism from consumers and regulators.


Sources

GPT-4, 7 May 2023


dsalunga

Posted 10 months ago