Other The myth of Apple intentionally slowing down older iPhones…

[MacTiki]

You have the cause and effect reversed. The speed of iPhone 6S dropped by 60%. That means A9 dropped to the speed of A6. iPhone 6 went from 1.4 GHz to 600 MHz. People definitely notice that in day to day use. People realized how slow their phones had become and ran Geekbench to confirm.

I don't think Apple slowed down old iPhones for the sake of slowing them down. But they were wrong and heavy handed. Apple "fixed" an unexpected shutdown issue by hiding the fact the battery needed replacement. Apple significantly reduced the performance because it only benefits Apple if the phone is slower.

If your car's engine unexpectedly shuts down on the highway and the manufacturer reduced power output by 60% as a fix, you'd probably want to know. Apple was completely silent on this issue until someone found out.

With Apple the “fix” is always in.

Was using an iPhone 16s + until the October 2023 release of iOS 15.8

The upgrade, which was as a security update, turned my perfectly functioning iPhone into eTrash. So much for the environment.

Areas where the iPhone functioned with only 1 or 2 bars now drops to NO SERVICE.

Apple’s and the carrier’s solution is to upgrade the phone and be locked into a 3 year contract.

 

[MacTiki]

As a customer who has replaced batteries in each iPhone I've owned at around 18-30 months, this option has saved me a lot of frustration, as well as a considerable amount of money. As an AAPL shareholder, however, it's in my best interest for people to buy a new iPhone when they begin to experience a slow and quickly dying phone!

Funny how a functioning iPhone becomes plagued with NO SERVICE after updating to the October 2023 release of iOS 15.8 and Apple’s only suggestion is to buy a new iPhone.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

iOS updates never improve when it comes to efficiency, performance, or battery life. Name one when compared to the original iOS version.

iOS 12 on the iPhone X was an improvement.

In fact, iOS 12 was a major improvement on *all* devices it ran on in comparison to 11.

iOS 12 on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPad Mini 2: It’s actually faster!

Apple delivers on its promises and pushes back against “forced obsolescence.”…

arstechnica.com

 

[canadianreader]

I would think the higher level techs have info like degraded battery = reduced performance in their protocol and with this info, they would be able to advise the user ‘hey your battery is quite degraded and we highly recommend you to get it replaced at $X’. The user now has knowledge, information and a solution from the manufacturer. That’s transparency.

Blaming the user is what big tech does best. Blaming millions of customers for not being pro-active and not visiting the Apple store to investigate why the iPhone is slow. At the time many iPhone 6s users thought that the new iOS version with the added features slowed down the phone and many thought they needed a new iPhone.

That’s not transparency and it highlights there is an agenda and conflict of interest - which is not what the evidence points to.

Apple hid from the user that the iOS update contained the throttling code, it wasn’t mentioned in the changelog, not even a on-screen section that shows battery status.

Who decided to implement the throttling function?
Who knew about it?
Who decided to not mention it in the release notes?

We may never get that level of transparency. All we know is Apple knew and left customers and low level employees in the dark until it got exposed on Reddit. It was unethical and wrong and they apologized.

 

[I7guy]

Yeah, it’s true that Apple probably won’t allow downgrading.

But anyway, I think I’m happy with my iOS setup right now. I use four main devices:

I think we need to be aware of the adulations heaped on the performance. I don’t consider any computing device to be flawless as there is always an issue, no matter how small. Maybe good or very good, which I considered my XR and XS Max. As I said my battery life on both was Ok, not terrible, not flawless, but OK.

-An iPhone Xʀ running iOS 12 (so original iOS version, flawless performance and battery life, I really like it).

As long as you are happy with what functionality ios 12 provides today and are secure in that a 5 year old operating system is safe for your digital assets.

-An iPad Air 5 running iPadOS 15 (original iOS version, absolutely flawless).

-An iPhone 6s running iOS 10 (An iOS 10 version earlier than iOS 10.2.1, so no throttling, completely perfect).

-A 9.7-inch iPad Pro running iOS 12 (the only device that’s outside the perfect bubble, but it’s very decent. Like I said earlier, I see the glass half-full, and iPadOS 16 obliterated this device. iOS 12 gives me 10-11 hours of battery life - instead of 14 on iOS 9 - and almost perfect performance (I only have slight keyboard lag)).

So if you look at it like that, I have 3 out of 4 main devices that are perfect and one which isn’t, but it’s infinitely better than a fully updated one and whose only main impact is a 3-hour battery life loss, which still provides very usable battery life. I’m fine with this.

I have beside the max, to 5s’ and an iPhone 4 an an ipa 7th gen on iPadOS 17. I don’t even use the 5s or iPhone 4 anymore - there is no point. Battery life and performance on the max is ok; after the new battery last year, it feels as if I just bought the phone.

An iPad with a 10/11-hour battery life (which is over twice as good as the 4-5 hours users report on iPadOS 16, which may be even worse when degraded) and very occasional and negligible keyboard lag as the only “victim” isn’t too bad, especially considering that, like I said and unlike iPadOS 16, performance is almost as good as it was on iOS 9. I’m happy with this.

I’m happy with the functionality of iPadOS 17. My 7th gen gets about the same battery life as it did in the beginning and performance is about the same. I use the device mainly as a consumption device. It mostly sees Netflix.

I would like my iPad to be on iOS 9 but I am aware enough to acknowledge that I have to value it for what I was able to salvage (iOS 12 instead of iPadOS 16), rather than focus on what I lost (iOS 9).

I never focus on what I lost - always focus on what I gained and have for the most part happy with my upgrades.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Cool now compare iOS 12 to 17, which is the only comparison that matters. With real-world usage, iOS 12 is significantly better.

I disagree that it’s the only comparison that matters.
Apple still sells the iPhone 13, but good luck getting one with any version of iOS 15.
Years from now when it’s on its final update, strictly comparing it to 15.0.0 isn’t going to help those who purchased the phone with 16 or 17 installed.
Same goes for the iPad 9, pretty sure if you purchase it now, even from a third-party retailer, it’s probably coming with iPadOS 16 or 17.

 

[Lift Bar]

Funny how a functioning iPhone becomes plagued with NO SERVICE after updating to the October 2023 release of iOS 15.8 and Apple’s only suggestion is to buy a new iPhone.

With Apple the “fix” is always in.

Was using an iPhone 16s + until the October 2023 release of iOS 15.8

The upgrade, which was as a security update, turned my perfectly functioning iPhone into eTrash. So much for the environment.

Areas where the iPhone functioned with only 1 or 2 bars now drops to NO SERVICE.

Apple’s and the carrier’s solution is to upgrade the phone and be locked into a 3 year contract.

I assume you mean the 6s Plus, which was released during the Obama administration. Like presidents, electronic gadgets do have term limits. However, the problem with your iPhone 6s Plus might be due to specific circumstances unique to your device, rather than a widespread issue caused by the iOS 15.8 update. It might be beneficial to explore troubleshooting steps. Alternatively, if you're looking to upgrade without lining Apple's pockets any further, consider the second-hand market. You can often find newer iPhones for under a hundred dollars. Not only would you get a more up-to-date device, but you'd also get the satisfaction of circumventing Apple's dastardly conspiracy.

 

[FeliApple]

iOS 12 on the iPhone X was an improvement.

In fact, iOS 12 was a major improvement on *all* devices it ran on in comparison to 11.

iOS 12 on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPad Mini 2: It’s actually faster!

Apple delivers on its promises and pushes back against “forced obsolescence.”…

arstechnica.com

Perhaps, but it was still horrible on the 6 Pius and I can confirm that iOS 12 is worse than iOS 9 on my 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

If it’s only better when compared to iOS 11 on some devices (namely those whose original version is iOS 11), then it’s almost the exact same case as the rest.

Note that I say “when updated far enough, iOS updates are always negative”. For some devices, iOS 12 isn’t far enough. And I also say “oftentimes, the first major version is fine”. I have an iPhone 6s on iOS 10 and there’s no difference at all in either performance or battery life with iOS 9. But that’s always short-lived.

The point is: grab a device. Keep updating it. Eventually it will be worse with no possibility to downgrade.

 

[FeliApple]

I think we need to be aware of the adulations heaped on the performance. I don’t consider any computing device to be flawless as there is always an issue, no matter how small. Maybe good or very good, which I considered my XR and XS Max. As I said my battery life on both was Ok, not terrible, not flawless, but OK.

This makes no sense.

As long as you are happy with what functionality ios 12 provides today and are secure in that a 5 year old operating system is safe for your digital assets.

It’s fine, thank you.

I’m happy with the functionality of iPadOS 17. My 7th gen gets about the same battery life as it did in the beginning and performance is about the same. I use the device mainly as a consumption device. It mostly sees Netflix.

I’d have to see that, sorry.

I never focus on what I lost - always focus on what I gained and have for the most part happy with my upgrades.

I will never say “nobody should update”. It’s okay if, for you, updating has more benefits than drawbacks. You should do what you consider best. It’s okay if people want to update. All I’m saying is that for those of us who don’t want to, Apple provides no solutions, other than staying behind in the first place (and then again, like I showed with my 9.7-inch iPad Pro... they don’t even allow that at all times).

If people are happy with updating, I’m happy too. Everyone should do what they consider best. I disagree with Apple curtailing that choice. But I am grateful about the fact that Apple allows those of us who value performance and battery life to stay behind. Because they very well could force everything out. Every device I have is on a decent to perfect iOS version. One device is a little imperfect, but it still works very well. For me, everything is fine. You like updating. For you, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. And that’s okay.

 

[FeliApple]

I assume you mean the 6s Plus, which was released during the Obama administration. Like presidents, electronic gadgets do have term limits. However, the problem with your iPhone 6s Plus might be due to specific circumstances unique to your device, rather than a widespread issue caused by the iOS 15.8 update. It might be beneficial to explore troubleshooting steps. Alternatively, if you're looking to upgrade without lining Apple's pockets any further, consider the second-hand market. You can often find newer iPhones for under a hundred dollars. Not only would you get a more up-to-date device, but you'd also get the satisfaction of circumventing Apple's dastardly conspiracy.

My 6s is on iOS 10 and has no service issues... it may be old but it doesn’t have to be utter garbage.

 

[kevink2]

FWIW, I just know that with my 12 Pro, once it gets under 10% battery life it doesn't seem as stable. Likely to just shut off. Then when it powers back on after plugging in, it may be at 7%.

I've just been waiting until the battery health to get under 80% to replace it.

 

[FeliApple]

I disagree that it’s the only comparison that matters.
Apple still sells the iPhone 13, but good luck getting one with any version of iOS 15.
Years from now when it’s on its final update, strictly comparing it to 15.0.0 isn’t going to help those who purchased the phone with 16 or 17 installed.
Same goes for the iPad 9, pretty sure if you purchase it now, even from a third-party retailer, it’s probably coming with iPadOS 16 or 17.

Agree, right now, it’s pointless for users. But when assessing the harm that iOS updates cause, the only valid comparison is the one that is made against the original version of iOS.

 

[kevink2]

It is expected that new ios version impact the use of the SoC and so the use of battery, people like to recall the steve jobs era but never has my iphone aged so badly like the 4s did(iphone 4 didnt even make it past 2 os updates btw).

To me, the iPhone 3G was the worst of my phones for upgradeability. I upgraded to the 4 after 1 1/2 years. And didn't hand down the 3G to anyone. The 4, after my 2 years of usage, was then used for several years more until I handed down the 6 to that user.

 

[I7guy]

This makes no sense.

It’s fine, thank you.

I’d have to see that, sorry.

I will never say “nobody should update”. It’s okay if, for you, updating has more benefits than drawbacks. You should do what you consider best. It’s okay if people want to update. All I’m saying is that for those of us who don’t want to, Apple provides no solutions, other than staying behind in the first place (and then again, like I showed with my 9.7-inch iPad Pro... they don’t even allow that at all times).

If people are happy with updating, I’m happy too. Everyone should do what they consider best. I disagree with Apple curtailing that choice. But I am grateful about the fact that Apple allows those of us who value performance and battery life to stay behind. Because they very well could force everything out. Every device I have is on a decent to perfect iOS version. One device is a little imperfect, but it still works very well. For me, everything is fine. You like updating. For you, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. And that’s okay.

Other than the tangible benefits of update; I.e. functionality, bug fixes and security updates most discussions regarding comparing past performance with a new update are anecdotal. Cannot disprove or prove anything thats factual.

I’m waiting for a scientific study to show one phone running both an earlier version and later version; taking into account vulnerabilities, fixes, performance and functionality. That’s the only way.

 

[FeliApple]

Other than the tangible benefits of update; I.e. functionality, bug fixes and security updates most discussions regarding comparing past performance with a new update are anecdotal. Cannot disprove or prove anything thats factual.

I’m waiting for a scientific study to show one phone running both an earlier version and later version; taking into account vulnerabilities, fixes, performance and functionality. That’s the only way.

Deny all you like...

 

[I7guy]

Deny all you like...

We’ll if this is the level of the conversation then promulgate all the anecdotal evidence you want.

 

[FeliApple]

We’ll if this is the level of the conversation then promulgate all the anecdotal evidence you want.

I will thank you☺️

 

[MacTiki]

I assume you mean the 6s Plus, which was released during the Obama administration. Like presidents, electronic gadgets do have term limits.

Thanks for the reply but it is frustrating to hear the typical response, oh your phone is old. The phone has not gone a day without being in a case and taking it from its case reveals a brand new looking phone.

Like I said the phone was in perfect working condition before I applied October 2023 iOS 15.8 update in November

As soon as the update was applied the problem of NO SERVICE started.

 

[Lift Bar]

Thanks for the reply but it is frustrating to hear the typical response, oh your phone is old. The phone has not gone a day without being in a case and taking it from its case reveals a brand new looking phone.

Like I said the phone was in perfect working condition before I applied October 2023 iOS 15.8 update in November

As soon as the update was applied the problem of NO SERVICE started.

I hear you – it's frustrating when a well-maintained phone suddenly has issues after an update. It's possible that the iOS 15.8 update may have affected your iPhone 6s Plus uniquely. However, it's also worth considering other factors like network issues or hardware quirks and other possible coincidences. If it turns out it really is an update problem, finding a fix for your situation might be more straightforward and more effective than worrying about the cause.

Hope you find a resolution soon!

 

[sleeptodream]

If they really wanted people to upgrade, they would change the phones more often, at least aesthetically. The complaint I hear most about iPhones is that they’ve looked the same forever.

I get the feeling Apple wants to sell a lot of iPhones, but also wants you to keep them as long as possible. This tracks with their environmental goals, and justifies their high price point imo. It’s why I’ve been buying Apple products for so long, they last forever (on a tech timescale).

Friends I know with iPhone 12s and even 11s see no reason to upgrade yet, and that’s a great thing. Less to recycle and less in landfills. I think a lot of people actually wish Apple would give them more of a reason to buy a new phone 😂

 

[davidespinosa]

I had a mid-2011 Intel Mac Mini that ran the Chrome browser very well for years.
Then its graphics performance suddenly turned to molasses.
I was basically forced to upgrade to a 2023 M2 Mac Mini.

My guess is that Chrome moved to a newer method of acceleration that wasn't supported on that machine, and the fallback was no acceleration at all. But that's only a guess.

 

[ThailandToo]

I think if you can put a new battery in an iPhone and it operates at 100% the same as it did when new there’s almost no problem. The problem is even batteries have to be registered components now. Apple could easily manipulate the system to slow down any iPhone even with a new battery if it isn’t logged agains the SoC the way I understand it. But the security updates seem to be where they actually do slow down iPhones. I would genuinely like a YouTube video that does all the legwork and shows iPhone from six years ago and just does an update and then runs benchmarks with each update. Then turn it off and update with each available update the benchmark changes.

Would love to see that over years and ensure Apple isn’t being AAPL first and foremost.

 

[Spidder]

Apple could easily manipulate the system to slow down any iPhone even with a new battery if it isn’t logged agains the SoC the way I understand it.

Apple could install a bitcoin miner on every iPhone with the next update and mine the living crap out of their customers batteries… and then throttle the cpu to push their customers to upgrade.

 

[Boy261]

Last year I opted to get the battery replaced by Apple in my xs max. After the repair, to me, it felt like the phone on day 1. The reason for the battery replacement is the phone was shutting off randomly when the battery SOC got below 30%.

Yeah, that battery was pretty dead. With mine being at 69% and doing that only in 5% territory id say its fine and normal after 4 years. That battery of yours was worse than just reduced battery health by its cycles, definitely had eroded more than it should and lost quite a lot of his qualities.

That said really hope i will have the same effect. If it becomes a fresh phone again and last at least 90% of what it did before might even skip the 15 pro max which i was planning to buy on january-feb and wait for the 16 pro max. A 6 gen cycle would be very nice.

Btw were you already in ios 16 when you replaced the battery or was it ios 15, cause the performance hit on 16 was a bit more noticeable.

 

[BellSystem]

Let’s see….the first thing people say when telling you they are buying a new phone…”it’s old and slow”. If Apple was really wanting to warn you and provide a solution they could have just popped up a message that said “your battery requires service. Would you like to reduce performance to extend the run time?” That dialogue could be forced up often to encourage service. But Apple doesn’t want to fix the battery, they want to get you to a new phone. I have a hard time believing they weren’t trying to create another reason to convince you that you need a new phone. If they really thought this was a solution they would have packaged it up as a feature and used it as a selling point. I think they were just trying to generate more sales while giving you more time to see how slow your device is. The iPhone is where they get all their billions….they can’t have you holding on to phones for more than 3 years to stay billionaires. They tried to scam you, got caught, made up some BS, and because everyone thinks they are virtuous and your best friend…they got away with it.

I saw plenty of things hidden in kbase back in the day that said “do not inform customer and replace part” to hide things that made them look bad. They are great a lying to you and have been doing it for years. Had I not been a kool aid fanboy back then I would have printed some of that out.