Did iOS 10.2 make the iPhone's #batterygate problem even worse?

The latest update to iOS 10.2 might have made things worse for iPhone users experiencing a major problem with the handsets' battery. Originally  believed by Apple to affect only certain iPhone 6s models that were exposed to too much ambient air during the manufacturing process, the issue appears to happen to other models as well. In fact, an Apple iPhone 5 that we were using as a replacement phone for much of this year has this problem, which required us to carry a power bank at all times.

Those iPhone units with the problem will simply stop working once the battery hits 30%. At that point, the unit shuts down as though it hit 0%. Plugging the phone in will return it to 30% and from there, the phone will charge normally. In another variation of the problem, the battery goes from 30% to 1% but stays at that 1% reading for as long as several hours. Some iPhone users are saying that iOS 10.2 exacerbates the battery problem.

Because Apple stopped signing iOS 10.1 and 10.1.1 on Wednesday, those who have found that iOS 10.2 makes matters worse cannot go back to the older iOS builds. However, some iPhone owners who are beta testing iOS 10.2.1 say that they have seen an improvement in the issue with their handsets no longer automatically shutting off in the 30% to 50% area. In addition, a battery diagnostics tool not mentioned in the changelist comes with iOS 10.2, and will reportedly help Apple study battery life on many units. This could help the company fix the issue.


In the meantime, it isn't a perfect nor pleasant workaround, but carrying a power bank will at the least keep your iPhone running despite what is being dubbed #Batterygate. Apple has promised a free battery replacement for certain iPhone 6s models.


source: Forbes