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Apple Confirms iPhone With Older Batteries Will Take Hits On Performance (theverge.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: Reddit users have noticed that Apple appears to be slowing down old iPhones that have low-capacity batteries. While many iPhone users have experienced perceived slowdowns due to iOS updates over the years, it appears that there's now proof Apple is throttling processor speeds when a battery capacity deteriorates over time. Geekbench developer John Poole has mapped out performance for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 over time, and has come to the conclusion that Apple's iOS 10.2.1 and 11.2.0 updates introduce this throttling for different devices. iOS 10.2.1 is particularly relevant, as this update was designed to reduce random shutdown issues for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S. Apple's fix appears to be throttling the CPU to prevent the phone from randomly shutting down. Geekbench reports that iOS 11.2.0 introduces similar throttling for low iPhone 7 low-capacity batteries.
When reached for comment, Apple basically confirmed the findings to The Verge, but disputes the assumed intention: "Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices. Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We've now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future."
When reached for comment, Apple basically confirmed the findings to The Verge, but disputes the assumed intention: "Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices. Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We've now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future."
By the time the batteries in an iPhone get that far gone, the device is usually, what, 3, maybe 4 years old? That's well beyond the time when most folks will have already replaced the thing entirely. Why add weight and reduce battery life (due to the smaller battery you end up with to fit the new case design) just for the 3-5% of users who keep their phones past the third year?
By contrast, how well supported is the typical Android phone past the first year (let alone 2nd or 3rd)? How well do the batteries hold up in them? My LG G4 has seen exactly one update the whole time I've had it, at roughly the 6-month mark (I still have/use it, but it's starting to fade a bit and is about to get replaced). I've also had to buy a new battery for it, because the old one faded to shit at the 24-month mark.
Quo usque tandem abutere, Nimbus, patientia nostra?
The iPhone 7 has a 1960mAh battery. The Galaxy S5 has a 2800mAh battery which is removable. Tell me again what this maximize battery space thing was about?
But before you complain about comparing Apples we can look further:
The successor: Galaxy S6 2550mAh non-removable. WHAT A BENEFIT!
The 2014 contender: iPhone 6 1810mAh battery.
The benefits are asstounding [sic]