Apple iPhone Slowdown: Was It Intentional?

Yes, Apple intentionally slowed down older iPhones via software updates, but the company stated the purpose was to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by aging batteries, not to force users to upgrade. This practice, confirmed by Apple in December 2017, led to public backlash, lawsuits, and eventually a settlement and battery replacement program. Below, we break down what happened, why it happened, and what it means for you.

Background: The 2017 Controversy

In late 2017, users on forums like Reddit noticed that their older iPhones (particularly iPhone 6, 6s, and 7 models) felt slower after iOS updates. Some ran benchmark tests and found that their phones’ CPU performance had dropped significantly. Initially, many suspected Apple was deliberately degrading performance to encourage upgrades. Apple responded in December 2017 with a statement: they had indeed released a software feature in iOS 10.2.1 that “smooth[ed] out” instantaneous power spikes to prevent unexpected shutdowns on phones with older, degraded batteries. In other words, the slowdown was a protective measure, not a planned obsolescence scheme.

How the Throttling Worked

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and with charge cycles. As they age, their internal resistance increases, making it harder to deliver peak current, especially when the battery is cold or at a low charge. If the CPU suddenly demands a high current (e.g., during a heavy app launch), the battery voltage can drop momentarily. If the voltage falls below a threshold, the phone’s logic board shuts it down to protect the hardware. Apple’s fix was to dynamically manage CPU and GPU performance—essentially capping the maximum speed—when the phone detected that the battery could not deliver the required power. This reduced the chance of sudden shutdowns, but it also made the phone feel slower.

Apple’s Response and Apology

After the initial backlash, Apple issued a formal apology in late December 2017. They explained that they had never—and would never—do anything to intentionally shorten the life of an Apple product. They also reduced the price of out-of-warranty battery replacements from $79 to $29 for iPhone 6 and later models, running from late January 2018 through the end of that year. Additionally, a future iOS update added a “Battery Health” feature (in iOS 11.3) that let users see their battery’s maximum capacity and whether performance management was active, and allowed them to turn it off (though Apple recommended leaving it on).

Lawsuits and Settlements

The slowdown controversy led to multiple class-action lawsuits worldwide. In the United States, a consolidated lawsuit resulted in a proposed settlement in 2020, where Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million to affected iPhone owners. The settlement covered iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and SE (first generation) owners in the U.S. who had installed certain iOS versions. Similar actions occurred in other countries, and Apple also faced fines from regulators, such as a €25 million fine in France in 2020 for failing to inform consumers that battery degradation could slow performance.

How to Check if Your iPhone Is Being Slowed

If you have an iPhone with iOS 11.3 or later, you can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. There, you’ll see “Maximum Capacity” (a percentage) and a “Peak Performance Capability” message. If the battery is degraded, you may see a message like “This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power. You have manually disabled performance management protection.” If you see that performance management is active, you can tap “Disable” to turn it off, but Apple warns that this may cause unexpected shutdowns. If your battery’s maximum capacity is below 80%, it’s generally recommended to replace the battery.

Common Misconceptions

• Apple throttles all old iPhones: No, the performance management feature only activates if the phone has experienced an unexpected shutdown or if the battery is significantly degraded. Many older iPhones with healthy batteries run at full speed.
• The slowdown is a conspiracy to sell new iPhones: While it’s true that a slower phone may push some users to upgrade, the stated purpose was to prevent shutdowns. The fact that Apple offered cheap battery replacements and added a toggle suggests they weren’t purely trying to force upgrades.
• You can’t do anything about it: You can replace the battery (at Apple or a third-party) to restore full performance. You can also disable performance management, though that may cause shutdowns.

How to Avoid or Fix Slowdown

1. Check your battery health as described above. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider a battery replacement.
2. Replace the battery at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. As of 2024, out-of-warranty battery replacement costs around $69–$99 depending on the model.
3. Disable performance management if you’re willing to risk unexpected shutdowns. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and tap “Disable.”
4. Keep your iPhone cool and avoid extreme temperatures, as heat accelerates battery degradation.
5. Update to the latest iOS—Apple has refined performance management over time, and newer versions may be less aggressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Apple admit to slowing down iPhones?

Yes, in December 2017, Apple issued a statement confirming that iOS 10.2.1 included a feature to manage power to prevent unexpected shutdowns on older iPhones with degraded batteries. They later apologized and explained that they never intended to shorten the lifespan of their products.

Will my iPhone be slowed down if the battery is healthy?

No. Performance management only activates if the iPhone has unexpectedly shut down or if the battery’s maximum capacity is significantly degraded. If your battery health is above 80% and you haven’t had shutdowns, your phone should run at full performance.

Can I turn off the slowdown?

Yes, on iOS 11.3 and later, you can disable performance management in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. However, Apple warns that doing so may increase the risk of unexpected shutdowns. It’s usually better to replace the battery instead.

How much does it cost to replace an iPhone battery?

As of 2024, Apple charges about $69 for iPhone SE, $79 for iPhone 6/7/8 series, and $99 for iPhone X and later models if the battery is out of warranty. Third-party repair shops may offer lower prices, but ensure they use quality parts.

Does the slowdown affect all iOS versions?

Performance management was introduced in iOS 10.2.1 and has been present in later versions. In iOS 11.3, Apple made it more transparent and added the ability to disable it. The behavior may vary slightly across versions, but the core mechanism remains.

Is Apple still slowing down old iPhones?

Apple continues to use performance management in iOS, but it’s now transparent and user-controllable. The company has stated that it will always prioritize preventing unexpected shutdowns, but it no longer hides the feature. As long as you have a healthy battery, you shouldn’t experience slowdown.

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