Apple explains CPU throttling to Canadian government, denies planned obsolescence
Apple has already explained to its customers why it throttled the CPU on several older units. Back in December, when it was discovered that certain iPhone models were set by Apple to run slower, the company explained that the batteries in these units were getting weaker and could not keep the phone running while working on certain complex tasks. Apple explained that it was not throttling CPU speeds as a way to force iPhone users to buy the latest models.
What ticked off iPhone users was that Apple had slipped in the software allowing it to throttle these handsets, with the update to iOS 10.2.1. The iPhone models involved include the Apple iPhone 6, Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone SE.
Apple released a statement today to Canada's committee on industry, science and technology. The letter, from Apple Canada Manager of Legal and Government Affairs Jacqueline Famulak, pointed out that Apple felt that it had to throttle the CPU on affected units so that users won't have their iPhone shut down in the middle of an emergency call, taking a photo of a loved one, or during other activities. "The sole purpose of the software update in this case was to help customers to continue to use older iPhones with aging batteries without shutdowns - not to drive them to buy newer devices," said the Apple Canada executive.
While beta versions of iOS 11.3 have been released, the final version of this build will include a battery monitor allowing iPhone users to know the strength of their battery. In addition, iOS 11.3 will allow those with throttled units to disable the slowdown.
source: AppleInsider
Apple released a statement today to Canada's committee on industry, science and technology. The letter, from Apple Canada Manager of Legal and Government Affairs Jacqueline Famulak, pointed out that Apple felt that it had to throttle the CPU on affected units so that users won't have their iPhone shut down in the middle of an emergency call, taking a photo of a loved one, or during other activities. "The sole purpose of the software update in this case was to help customers to continue to use older iPhones with aging batteries without shutdowns - not to drive them to buy newer devices," said the Apple Canada executive.
"We do not want our customers to experience interruptions in the use of their iPhones, whether that is making an emergency phone call, taking a picture, sharing a post, or watching the final minutes of a movie. To address the issue of unexpected shutdowns, we developed software that dynamically manages power usage when, and only when, an iPhone is facing the risk of an unexpected shutdown."-Jacqueline Famulak, Manager of Legal and Government Affairs, Apple Canada
While beta versions of iOS 11.3 have been released, the final version of this build will include a battery monitor allowing iPhone users to know the strength of their battery. In addition, iOS 11.3 will allow those with throttled units to disable the slowdown.
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