Apple Pledges to Be 'Clearer and More Upfront' With iPhone Users About Battery Health and Performance in UK

[macfacts]

What design defect? Batteries deteriorate as they age and the found a way to extend the life of old devices by detecting and Preventing spikes caused by those old batteries that would end the device life altogether. You just have to love how the are forced to apologize for allowing customers to keep their devices longer. Instead of letting the die naturally. People are getting weird these days. It’s like the reason Mcdonalds doesn’t allow managers to feed the homeless with food they are throwing away at the end of the night. They would be legally responsible if the choked on a French Fry the gave them.

There was an official battery recall but apple said it was only a small amount of affected iPhone models at the time. The theory is there were way more affected batteries but apple instead put out the throttling feature to cover up the manufactured defects not under the recall.

 

[Altis]

I wouldn't go that far, though we do know a few users on these forums who have outright said that they only care about APPL shares. Some of which have outright lied in their posts if they believe it helps get a sale. but we can't call them out directly as it's against forum rules

And sure enough though, the same 5-10 users, over and over again, defend everything Apple does. Apple could literally hand these same users a steaming paper bag full of excrement and they will tell you that we should be happy Apple gave us anything. It's the same users who will also claim things like "I didn't have the keyboard problem so everyone is making it up", or "I didn't get throttled, so it's not a lot of people" and other disingenuous and downright unintelligent arguments. (we do have the ignore option just for these very people)

Either way. Trying not to be overly negative. The battery design flaw (even if these same people refuse to accept it) is in the past and like any design flaw, it's how they respond and move forwards that should be important. And since we haven't heard yet of throttling 7s, 8s, or X devices, I believe Apple might have learned a lesson from all this. Any lesson will be more consumer friendly.

I only "suspect" it's so because some posters have openly declared it, bragging about all the money it's made them while they try to stomp out people who are adversely affected by Apple's behavior.

 

[LordVic]

There was an official battery recall but apple said it was only a small amount of affected iPhone models at the time. The theory is there were way more affected batteries but apple instead put out the throttling feature to cover up the manufactured defects not under the recall.

I lovehow it's "Small number" and "blown out of proportions"...

Apple recorded in the quarter of the battery recall, a spike from 2 million to 11m devices taking advantage of the battery discount for these devices.

thats not a "tiny" amount of noise

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-rep...illion-iphone-batteries-under-its-29-program/

 

[TheSkywalker77]

Time to move to the UK.

 

[Defthand]

Thats anecdotal and doesn’t prove that was the company’s stance. They ended up doing it in other cases and no one really has a comprehensive view of the stance. Post a statement from Apple saying they won’t replace defective batteries.

It could have just been a poorly trained store, a bad interpretation of the policy, or we don’t have the full story on the status of the users’ iPhones.
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Because Apple has to protect their brand and quality of “fixes” on their hardware. You know how many repair places use subpar parts and techniques for repairs to save money and, oh by the way, screw the customer?

Apple sells 300M devices annually, so the “few customers” is likely mathematically true. Apple hasn’t had failures that are so widespread, the monsoon of complaints couldn’t be stopped. They’ve had normal issues for a company of their scale and in fact, far fewer that one might expect. Apple has insanely good build quality.

Apple's internal policies aren't made public. You learn them when you approach them. But perhaps this clarification from Tom's Guide Regarding the battery replacement program will do:

Apple’s initial announcement stipulated it would only make the offer available to customers “whose batteries need to be replaced"... If Apple's existing policy accommodated requested battery replacements, Apple would not have stipulated a condition.

The test? According to Tom's Guide... Previously, Apple’s diagnostic test classified a worn battery as having retained 80 percent or less of its original capacity. This is also the level upon which iPhone 6 and newer models running at least iOS 10.2.1 begin limiting performance.

You need to acquaint yourself with the design faux pas that plague the MacBook Pros. Some models have mutiple warranty programs created for them! That's unprecedented for hardware in their price category. Hardly a testement to their build quality. And before you praise Apple for its warranty amendments, remember that techs in Apple authorized repair centers testify that Apple was aware that the issues were design-related and advised techs not to reveal that information to customers! Those customers were charged $400+ to fix issues that were not caused by normal wear or abuse. Apple waited three years to make good on their mistakes. If the number of affected users was as insignificant as they claimed, the issues would have faded away and not required a program to address.

 

[macfacts]

I lovehow it's "Small number" and "blown out of proportions"...

Apple recorded in the quarter of the battery recall, a spike from 2 million to 11m devices taking advantage of the battery discount for these devices.

thats not a "tiny" amount of noise

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-rep...illion-iphone-batteries-under-its-29-program/

I'm not talking about the $29 batteries. I'm talking about this: https://www.apple.com/support/iphone6s-unexpectedshutdown/

This recall was before throttle gate. Apple used the throttling to cover up the batteries that didn't fall under the serial numbers for the recall in the link I just provided.

 

[LordVic]

I'm not talking about the $29 batteries. I'm talking about this: https://www.apple.com/support/iphone6s-unexpectedshutdown/

This recall was before throttle gate. Apple used the throttling to cover up the batteries that didn't fall under the serial numbers for the recall in the link I just provided.

Ah, forgot completely about that battery flaw as well.

Looks like Apple just really borked up on the 6 series battery configurations. Though, looks like by the 7 they had it under control

 

[BigMcGuire]

I wish I was an Apple Stock owner. I've definitely given them a massive chunk of my income over the last 6 years. <cough>. You're welcome apple stock owners.

 

[Baymowe335]

Apple's internal policies aren't made public. You learn them when you approach them. But perhaps this clarification from Tom's Guide Regarding the battery replacement program will do:

Apple’s initial announcement stipulated it would only make the offer available to customers “whose batteries need to be replaced"... If Apple's existing policy accommodated requested battery replacements, Apple would not have stipulated a condition.

The test? According to Tom's Guide... Previously, Apple’s diagnostic test classified a worn battery as having retained 80 percent or less of its original capacity. This is also the level upon which iPhone 6 and newer models running at least iOS 10.2.1 begin limiting performance.

You need to acquaint yourself with the design faux pas that plague the MacBook Pros. Some models have mutiple warranty programs created for them! That's unprecedented for hardware in their price category. Hardly a testement to their build quality. And before you praise Apple for its warranty amendments, remember that techs in Apple authorized repair centers testify that Apple was aware that the issues were design-related and advised techs not to reveal that information to customers! Those customers were charged $400+ to fix issues that were not caused by normal wear or abuse. Apple waited three years to make good on their mistakes. If the number of affected users was as insignificant as they claimed, the issues would have faded away and not required a program to address.

Warranty programs aren't a good measure, because most manufacturers stop supporting after 1 year.

I don't think Apple saying they'll only replace batteries "needing" to be replaced says much of anything.

Unless you have failure rates, the argument is purely speculative and/or anecdotal. The secondary market is my proof for Apple having the best build quality. People buy Apple stuff for premium prices for many reasons, including quality and support.

 

[sofila]

Any lesson will be more consumer friendly.

That's the difficult part for users mentioned above

 

[Defthand]

Unless you have failure rates, the argument is purely speculative and/or anecdotal. The secondary market is my proof for Apple having the best build quality. People buy Apple stuff for premium prices for many reasons, including quality and support.

It is you who is speculating. At least people who experienced these product fails and dealt with unapologetic stores have something real to back up their assertions. You have zero "data" that their experience is unique. More importantly, as a shareholder, you're careless to dismiss the impression these experiences make. You piss off someone who spent extra on a "premium" brand that behaves otherwise, and they will spread doubt among their peers. The same shared testimonies that brought people to Apple, can also lead them away.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Apple sells 300M devices annually, so the “few customers” is likely mathematically true. Apple hasn’t had failures that are so widespread, the monsoon of complaints couldn’t be stopped. They’ve had normal issues for a company of their scale and in fact, far fewer that one might expect. Apple has insanely good build quality.

You don't get it do you? "Apple sells 300M devices annually" so you think a company can throw a "few customers" under the bus by providing bad service? But hey I know you're a share holder.

 

[I7guy]

I suspect some are AAPL shareholders masquerading as 'fans' of Apple rather than fans of every penny Apple can make them.

Well if we are going to delve into the motives of posters....

I'd rather have my phone shut down or at least alert me that it has to throttle due to the battery condition.

Instead, it slowed it down to a crawl while pretending nothing was wrong -- battery health still above the "Healthy" threshold, and refused to replace it even if you were willing to pay.

What does your iPhone do today. Is your feeling to hold onto something Apple did a year ago until time immemorial?

 

[BigMcGuire]

What does your iPhone do today. Is your feeling to hold onto something Apple did a year ago until time immemorial?

Agreed. I went to Apple with my iPhone 4s. Apple has treated me very well, so I went to it with my laptops. Even though I had a bad battery experience with my wife's 6s+, my wife and I have had above average experience with our 5, 6+, 6s+, 8+, and Xs MAX (not even to mention our laptops).

I don't feel Apple lied, but it did try to fix a problem quietly. I think the battery replacement program was great, and the fact that I got a refund on my wife's 6s+ battery without me having to do anything - very good.

No company is perfect and Apple has our business because it is far better than any company I've dealt with. I like to give my money to companies that try hard, and Apple does a very good job in this area.

 

[Altis]

Well if we are going to delve into the motives of posters....

What does your iPhone do today. Is your feeling to hold onto something Apple did a year ago until time immemorial?

How is that supposed to be a counter-argument to what I said?

It isn't "holding onto" it "until time immemorial" to say that it did happen and it was a real issue where Apple did consumers wrong, and a very recent one at that.

 

[mi7chy]

I don't feel Apple lied, but it did try to fix a problem quietly.

Explain the difference? Both are lies, one actively and the other passively.

 

[Baymowe335]

It is you who is speculating. At least people who experienced these product fails and dealt with unapologetic stores have something real to back up their assertions. You have zero "data" that their experience is unique. More importantly, as a shareholder, you're careless to dismiss the impression these experiences make. You piss off someone who spent extra on a "premium" brand that behaves otherwise, and they will spread doubt among their peers. The same shared testimonies that brought people to Apple, can also lead them away.

I disagree. Personal experience doesn't make an issue widespread. If Apple screwed up in a big way, it would be impossible to cover it up without a response from the company. There are simply too many devices out there.

Remember the "hardware failure" antennagate people with the XS? Yeah, that was a joke despite a few stories. A iPhone that can't connect reliably to the network would be on the front page every day. iPad bends? Yeah, that went away too....because it's not a big issue.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Explain the difference? Both are lies, one actively and the other passively.

I understand if you think it is a lie, but I don't feel that Apple lied. Were they forthcoming? No, but they've never been forthcoming - so that's expecting Apple to do something it never has.

But I see your point of view and could see how people would think Apple willingly lied. I don't agree, but I see it and who knows, no way to prove from my view (that they weren't).

Edit: Your avatar is very applicable. <cough>. (Talking about me).

 

[Baymowe335]

You don't get it do you? "Apple sells 300M devices annually" so you think a company can throw a "few customers" under the bus by providing bad service? But hey I know your a share holder.

That's not what it means at all. 300M devices means "a few customers" will have issues and Apple takes care of them on a case by case basis, like they always do. Have a bad experience, go to a different store or escalate it.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Wow. Just wow. Macrumors forums are now defending what Apple did with the battery issue after endless forum discussions roasting apple.

It's like this place is full of people that live to be contrarian and start online arguments.

 

[H2SO4]

Thats anecdotal and doesn’t prove that was the company’s stance. They ended up doing it in other cases and no one really has a comprehensive view of the stance. Post a statement from Apple saying they won’t replace defective batteries.

It could have just been a poorly trained store, a bad interpretation of the policy, or we don’t have the full story on the status of the users’ iPhones.
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Because Apple has to protect their brand and quality of “fixes” on their hardware. You know how many repair places use subpar parts and techniques for repairs to save money and, oh by the way, screw the customer?

Apple sells 300M devices annually, so the “few customers” is likely mathematically true. Apple hasn’t had failures that are so widespread, the monsoon of complaints couldn’t be stopped. They’ve had normal issues for a company of their scale and in fact, far fewer that one might expect. Apple has insanely good build quality.

Once they plug in the phone and download the diagnostics they know the phone has a battery problem. The diags will tell them all about it. Poorly trained staff, bad interpretation or full stories don't come into it.
Man the level of nonsense here to defend this corporation is epic.

 

[longofest]

What design defect? Batteries deteriorate as they age and the found a way to extend the life of old devices by detecting and Preventing spikes caused by those old batteries that would end the device life altogether [...]

Yes, batteries deteriorate as they age. That doesn't have to mean a worse performing product or unexpected shutdowns. Macs, iPods, and Androids all use lithium batteries, and none of those products experience unexpected shutdowns as their batteries degrade (save for maybe iPod Touch).

Don't drink the Apple koolaid - this whole thing is a self-imposed mess.

 

[apolloa]

I suspect some are AAPL shareholders masquerading as 'fans' of Apple rather than fans of every penny Apple can make them.
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I'd rather have my phone shut down or at least alert me that it has to throttle due to the battery condition.

Instead, it slowed it down to a crawl while pretending nothing was wrong -- battery health still above the "Healthy" threshold, and refused to replace it even if you were willing to pay.

I’d rather one of these investigations got serious and took Apple to court for anti consumer behaviour, I mean want Apple did is ‘supposed’ to be a crime in France as it’s actually illegal. But then again we are far from finished with the investigations..
the way Cook and Co merrily lied and hid the truth for over a year, whilst mid-selling new iPhones deserves a major court case.
[doublepost=1558554359][/doublepost]

You don't get it do you? "Apple sells 300M devices annually" so you think a company can throw a "few customers" under the bus by providing bad service? But hey I know your a share holder.

What do you expect? I just block the share holders on here as no one can be impartial or critical of something that increases their share price.. that’s one big personal financial interest..

 

[Altis]

I understand if you think it is a lie, but I don't feel that Apple lied. Were they forthcoming? No, but they've never been forthcoming - so that's expecting Apple to do something it never has.

If your device was throttling heavily due to 'poor battery', and you go to Apple and they tell you the battery is "Healthy" and thus refuses to replace it, while they would deny any relationship between the two, that's a pretty clear-cut lie on behalf of the company (even if the person telling you is unaware personally).

 

[BigMcGuire]

If your device was throttling heavily due to 'poor battery', and you go to Apple and they tell you the battery is "Healthy" and thus refuses to replace it, while they would deny any relationship between the two, that's a pretty clear-cut lie on behalf of the company (even if the person telling you is unaware personally).

OK, I see your point. That and I'm very certain the very uneducated and very unhappy genius had no clue what was going on. lol.

I expect companies to look out for their own best interest and us consumers must do the same. Apple's eventual response (refunding us most of our $) helped - but definitely will have me a little more skeptical next time something happens. At least Apple doesn't have a blatant history of doing this (I am sure someone will disagree with me on this).