Apple starts battery replacement program in India: Find details here
What's the story
Apple's battery replacement program, necessitated after a controversy over the company intentionally slowing down older iPhones, has begun almost a month earlier than expected.
During this period, rates for the service have been dropped by over one-third. In the US, it will cost $29, down from $79.
In India, you will have to spend Rs. 2,000 plus taxes instead of Rs. 6,000. Details here.
Issue
What is this about Apple slowing down older iPhones deliberately?
Earlier this month, Geekbench founder John Poole reported, after observing the devices' performance readings, that performance of iPhones on iOS 10.2.0 and above running on older batteries slows down.
He also discovered that changing the battery almost doubled its performance.
Later, developer Guilherme Rambo discovered a secret power mode called "Powerd", which Poole had theorized, that was responsible for the slowdown.
Apology
Apple announced low-priced batteries, software updates after controversy
Apologizing for the controversy, Apple said it is reducing prices for out-of-warranty battery replacement for iPhone 6 or above from $79 to $29. This offer will be available worldwide from January-December'18.
It is also releasing a software update in early 2018 to give users "more visibility into the health of their iPhone's battery".
"At Apple, our customers' trust means everything to us," it said.
Do you know?
More details about the battery replacement offer
Models above the iPhone 6, including the 6s, SE, 7 and 7 Plus are eligible. The offer will run through December'18. "We expected to need more time to be ready, but we're happy to offer our customers the lower pricing right away," a spokesperson said.