Consumer Rights Group in Spain Demands Apple Compensate Customers for iPhone Slowdowns Caused by iOS 14.5 and 14.6

[sirdir]

This is a consequence of the locked down environment. You just can't debug anything if things go wrong. My Apple Watch 5 never had the expected battery life. I never get through a day without recharging. My series 4 still has a better battery life to this day.

 

[AstonSmith]

I don't recall signing up to anything that guaranteed a particular level of performance when I bought my iPhone.

On the other hand, I absolutely do expect my phone to get a little slower over time. Your phone and mine is under attack all the time by miscreants on the internet. Your phone and mine gets updated quite often to counter these attacks. It takes CPU and battery power to do this.

After an upgrade, I fully expect my phone to spend quite some time doing background processing and re-indexing.

I bought my iPhone years ago, and it is still going strong. No complaints here.

And if I'm bothered about how apps are behaving, Apple have thoughtfully provided a means to examine which apps are consuming the most power.

Isn't it implied? Let me explain.

I'd say the general public sees phones more as appliances than computers.

Someone might purchase a refrigerator with the expectation that it'll maintain the same chilly temperature until it breaks. If the fridge slowly warmed up over time, say 1°C warmer every few months, then it would be considered defective.

If they bought a phone and it was fast to begin with, but gradually slowed down over time due to software bloat and scope creep etc, they might see it the same way as the fridge. Hence this lawsuit.

---

Has anyone affected (with a jailbreak or dev certificate) tried using something like CocoaTop or DetailedBatteryUsage to see if there really is a system process responsible for draining the battery? I know the normal, default view in the settings screen can hide the true culprit.

 

[PC_tech]

Frankly, no. You don’t “initiate a dialog” by sending copies of your demands letter to the media - you don’t “initiate a dialog” with someone by accusing them of things in a very public way. They did this to bring pressure on Apple. It’d be nice if they were honest about their demands. Plus, you know, start with, “what happened and why did it happen this way?”, and not, “how are you going to compensate us?”

You assume they sent it to the media just 🙄🙄🙄🙄

 

[tf_dc]

New versions of software will slow down older model phones? How is this still surprising to anyone in 2021?

Brief:
It is not a planned obsolescence, it is a bad quality, which should be punished. And it is not about Apple Inc. only - it is about the IT industry.

TL;DR
Modern day phones are multiple times more powerful computing devices than very decent desktops 15 years ago. IT companies, completely spoilt by the ever-growing power of the hardware and their mostly unchallenged ability to impose EULAs saying "we are not responsible for anything", should be kicked by the users who pay them money as frequently and as painfully as possible. These companies already brought up more than one generation of "programmers" and "developers" who cannot live without ugly overblown frameworks and who stuff down the end-user throats that sort of product that only flies and scarabs can fully appreciate. The earlier the end-users switch on their brains and start suspecting that "new software and features" must not necessarily mean "slow devices and crappy user experience" and "buy new hardware now", the earlier then monkey-coders will have to retrain for some jobs more suited for their actual talents and leave the IT industry alone. And the companies will have to ask more relatives-friends-countrypeople-"efficient managers" out and bring in more actual programmers who don't depend on Electron for every cough and who don't try to build everything in Javascript on top of browser engine.

 

[Biro]

I have no battery or speed issues with my iPhone 11 and I'm fully up to date, software-wise.

 

[I7guy]

Woah. Microsoft better watch their back. Next up, Microsoft gets fined for having bugs in Windows.

 

[Duane Martin]

Owners of iphones will forever doubt the sincerity of Apples intentions regarding updates because of the incident where Apple failed to inform iphone owners what they was doing to the phone with regards to one of it's updates. It is only when many iphone owners started to complain of issues with their phone did Apple come clean and admit what they did to the update. Iphone owners and critics of Apple both said that Apple should have been honest and upfront about what they were doing instead of only coming forward when they were caught out.

What Apple has failed to realised is what they did breaches consumer law in many many countries and saying 'sorry' is just not good enough. When your a company with deep financial pockets such as Apple then a countries consumer organisation will go after you, and as we are seeing in the news, more and more countries are using their consumer laws to take on Apple.

A bit of revisionist history here. Let’s be clear that Apple’s fault was not more clearly communicating what the update did in regards to keeping phones with degraded batteries from shutting down unexpectedly; information was there from day one, just not in such a way the average consumer could reasonably be expected to find and fully understand it. In fairness, it was complicated and the explanation is still clearly not understood by some. You seem to be suggesting they intentionally did not reveal the information which is not true. They were guilty of not clearly communicating, no doubt. To suggest Apple did not reveal any information until forced to is not true; this is actually covered in the article above. I would like to remind you that Apple’s intention was a better experience for users with degraded batteries, NOT to disable phones. It may have been poorly implemented (though I personally feel the issue was exaggerated beyond reason) but the intent was good.

It seems, in the current case, there are some very real software issues that do not affect all users equally (personally hate trying to diagnose intermittent problems). However, for some other members this is part of some grand conspiracy on Apple’s part to disable older devices (or in this case a current device) in order to force consumers to replace devices with new devices. Myself, if I had a product that worked poorly I would be looking to another brand when considering a replacement not thinking “well the last one was disappointing, let’s try another.” For some to suggest this is somehow a strategy seems disconnected from reality but I have begun to suspect that MacRumors does exist is some alternative universe that I somehow have access to.

So, let’s look at two possibilities for the current issue:
Apple programmers are struggling with code and battery life, something I feel they need to address as this keeps coming up;
OR
Apple is conspiring to defraud its user base to force users to unnecessarily upgrade devices meanwhile its user base remains remarkably oblivious to this fact (except on MacRumors).

Personally, I lean towards poor programming as this seems the more probable. But that is the reality I live in.

 

[Menneisyys2]

Exactly the same camera-slowdown problem here. Also Iphone 8 user...

Try a complete clean restore without(!!!) restoring any kind of backup; that is, manually setting up the entire phone from scratch. I'm absolutely sure it'll become usable again.

(Of course, as has also mentioned above, OTA upgrades / backup restores shouldn't slow anything down in an ideal world. But not in that of Apple )

 

[LV426]

Isn't it implied? Let me explain.

I'd say the general public sees phones more as appliances than computers.

Someone might purchase a refrigerator with the expectation that it'll maintain the same chilly temperature until it breaks. If the fridge slowly warmed up over time, say 1°C warmer every few months, then it would be considered defective.

If they bought a phone and it was fast to begin with, but gradually slowed down over time due to software bloat and scope creep etc, they might see it the same way as the fridge. Hence this lawsuit.

---

Has anyone affected (with a jailbreak or dev certificate) tried using something like CocoaTop or DetailedBatteryUsage to see if there really is a system process responsible for draining the battery? I know the normal, default view in the settings screen can hide the true culprit.

No, it's not implied. And it's not a good analogy.

You can refuse to update any software on your phone if you wish, and the "bloat", as you put it, will not play any part.

Or, you can accept software/security updates and live with the fact that your phone might have to work harder.

 

[Jumpinbeans]

iPhone 8 and it has significantly slowed down during the last year - most notably when using the camera and opening photos.

 

[w5jck]

Unless there is criminal intent, governments need to stay out of purely civil cases. They have no business sticking their noses into civil disputes. If a company churns out devices that consumers don't like for whatever reason, then let the customers sue them in civil courts or simply stop buying their devices. I can understand going after a company that habitually screws over their customers with criminal intent, but this is just a civil matter between company and consumers.

 

[IllinoisCorn]

Spain's Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) last week sent a letter (via iPhoneros) demanding that Apple compensate customers for "reported obsolescence practices" related to recent iPhone models including the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone 8, and iPhone XS.

According to the OCU, Apple's iOS 14.5, iOS 14.5.1, and iOS 14.6 updates have "significantly damaged consumer devices" by "causing their processor speed to drop dramatically" and lowering battery life. As evidence, the OCU cites "numerous media outlets."

The OCU asked Apple to justify the "lack of performance" of the aforementioned iPhone models following the recent iOS updates, and said that the letter is intended to "initiate a dialog with Apple" in order to find the "best way to compensate consumers."

Apple's "excessively rapid wear and tear" on iPhones following updates is unfair to consumers and harms the environment, says the OCU.

If Apple does not provide an adequate response, the OCU plans to consider other actions such as a lawsuit enforcing consumer rights.

Apple has been accused of planned obsolescence in the past, primarily relating to the 2017 release of iOS 10.2.1, which included a feature that throttled the performance of older iPhones with degrading batteries in order to prevent device shutdowns.

Apple failed to make it clear that mitigating shutdowns would require compromising device performance, which led to consumer upset and a series of lawsuits that Apple is continuing to deal with today. Most recently, Apple shelled out $3.4 million to settle a lawsuit in Chile, and it has also faced lawsuits in the United States, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

As for iOS 14.5, 14.5.1, and 14.6, there have indeed been reports of excessive battery drain, and iOS 14.5 in particular fixed an iPhone 11 battery drain issue with a new recalibration process. There were also some scattered reports of throttling with the iOS 14.5.1 update, but reports from affected users suggest the issue was addressed in iOS 14.6.

Apple has maintained that it would never intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to push customers to upgrade.

Article Link: Consumer Rights Group in Spain Demands Apple Compensate Customers for iPhone Slowdowns Caused by iOS 14.5 and 14.6

Is this a government entity with any real power? If so, super scary for a government to threaten a private organization based on "medial reports."

 

[itsmeaustend]

Ah yes, “numerous media outlets”
Rock solid evidence there. Case closed!

Right?! Could you imagine if they tried that line in a country with a competent judicial system? You’d be laughed out of court so rapidly.

 

[pdoherty]

Maybe just allowing customers to roll back to the previous (and in the customer's eyes, superior for their phone) OS would solve all of this.

Agreed. Forcing users to stay on a newer, but problematic iOS, is a dumb practice. All Apple would need to do is force a full backup prior to upgrading and then, if the user is dissatisfied, they can simply restore it.

 

[pdoherty]

I try to explain exactly this to folks.

you may get new features but older your phone is, the less it’s able to support feature rich processing intensive newer software because it’s processor is fixed in time and your battery is degrading as it ages.

I’d like to see someone quantify this. I highly doubt there are so much additional processing or features going on from 14.5 to 14.6 (or even from iOS 13 to 14) to justify cratering the performance of what used to easily-capable of running fine.

 

[tf_dc]

I’d like to see someone quantify this. I highly doubt there are so much additional processing or features going on from 14.5 to 14.6 (or even from iOS 13 to 14) to justify cratering the performance of what used to easily-capable of running fine.

Compare the iOS Mail app now and 4 years ago. New user-facing features added? - Yes, but literally one or two (some actions made possible on multiple selections IIRC). Under-the hood improvements? - No, the opposite, startup delay visibly increased. Usability improvements? - No, previously at least recent mails and attachments were retained locally and immediately available, now in most cases there are only headers (or just plain nothing) and the rest has to be downloaded again. User-facing controls added? - No. Reasons? - Can only guess. Perhaps originally it was a native app using Safari engine only to render HTML contents in messages. Now, it looks like what remains of the app it is a script shell running on a browser engine, there is no Mail app anymore.

 

[tf_dc]

P.S. I used to employ iOS Mail in comparison to Tutanota to demonstrate a native app vs Electron "modern and shiny" crap difference to people. Now it is not possible, there is no difference visible without taking some measurements the iOS doesn't let you to, and it is not because Tutanota became any faster.

 

[tf_dc]

P.S. I used to employ iOS Mail in comparison to Tutanota to demonstrate a native app vs Electron "modern and shiny" crap difference to people. Now it is not possible, there is no difference visible without taking some measurements the iOS doesn't let you to, and it is not because Tutanota became any faster.

P.P.S. And Tutanota has to download and decrypt the content on startup, which makes the visible deterioration in Mail performance even more shameful,

 

[duervo]

This is a huge “nothingburger.” OCU.org is way more bark than bite, and I suspect that they know it, which would explain why they’ve chosen to address this in the manner that they have.

To help others put this into a more realistic perspective: Think of OCU.org like they are Consumer Reports Magazine. Then, you’ll have a more accurate view of them.

There is no lawsuit happening with this. So, some people need to put the pitchforks down 🤣

Also, this is a win-win for OCU.org. If they fail in getting action from this, they can still say to their existing and potential subscribers, “We’re fighting for YOU! Sub to us, or don’t forget to renew your sub!” If by some twist of fate, Apple does something positive in response, they can say, “We won for YOU! Sub to us, or don’t forget to renew your sub!”

 

[ian87w]

iPhone 8 and it has significantly slowed down during the last year - most notably when using the camera and opening photos.

I have a 7+ on 14.6, and I don't see the camera/Photos app being slower than before. I wonder how a newer iPhone 8 would have that issue.

 

[realtwang]

AT&T is the company who should be sued for damaging iPhone performance.😂

 

[tridley68]

Simple solution if they want to whine about updates then Apple should only allow newer phones to get them Or they could buy an Android phone where updates are far and few

 

[H2SO4]

Compare the iOS Mail app now and 4 years ago. New user-facing features added? - Yes, but literally one or two (some actions made possible on multiple selections IIRC). Under-the hood improvements? - No, the opposite, startup delay visibly increased. Usability improvements? - No, previously at least recent mails and attachments were retained locally and immediately available, now in most cases there are only headers (or just plain nothing) and the rest has to be downloaded again. User-facing controls added? - No. Reasons? - Can only guess. Perhaps originally it was a native app using Safari engine only to render HTML contents in messages. Now, it looks like what remains of the app it is a script shell running on a browser engine, there is no Mail app anymore.

Whilst I agree with your premise also remember that code, and hence processor and memory usage gets more efficient over time do the effect may not be as pronounced as you think.
I’m wondering if it would be so difficult to test. Not with a battery as it’s not consistent but maybe someone like iFixit could rig up a phone to a constant voltage DC supply and test with these different app/OS/phone combinations?

 

[H2SO4]

Simple solution if they want to whine about updates then Apple should only allow newer phones to get them Or they could buy an Android phone where updates are far and few

What a terrible response.
Third option. Apple could give them an update with comprehensive plain English release notes that works instead of one that borks?

EDIT: Downvote it all you like. It would be advantageous to ALL consumers, even you.

 

[One2Grift]

This is a huge “nothingburger.” OCU.org is way more bark than bite, and I suspect that they know it, which would explain why they’ve chosen to address this in the manner that they have.

To help others put this into a more realistic perspective: Think of OCU.org like they are Consumer Reports Magazine. Then, you’ll have a more accurate view of them.

There is no lawsuit happening with this. So, some people need to put the pitchforks down 🤣

Also, this is a win-win for OCU.org. If they fail in getting action from this, they can still say to their existing and potential subscribers, “We’re fighting for YOU! Sub to us, or don’t forget to renew your sub!” If by some twist of fate, Apple does something positive in response, they can say, “We won for YOU! Sub to us, or don’t forget to renew your sub!”

And either way they get their name in the same "media reports" media (and we know coporate/big media is and has been for many decades a bastion of well thought out and factual dissemination of information ).