In recent weeks, Apple has revealed that it intentionally slows down older model iPhones with the release of newer and shinier additions to the iOS lineup. Apple has justified the move, saying that they throttle the processor’s performance so as not to overwork aging batteries, denying that it has anything to do with forcing people to upgrade. Of course, replacing an iPhone battery is far more complicated than with any other phone since Apple doesn’t manufacture its phones with removable batteries. But with this revelation, Apple is offering discounted battery replacements.
How to Test If Your iPhone Is Being Slowed Down
While there are a couple of paid apps like GeekBench and CPU DasherX that you can use to find out if your phone has been slowed down, there’s also a website that does it for free if you own an iPhone 6S and up.
Visit SlowApple on your phone and you can run a test that will give you a sense of just how much your phone is affected. If you have Low Power Mode turned on, turn it off before running the test.
Tap the Go button and if your phone completes the test in less than 8 seconds, you’re among the lucky few whose phone is just fine. Anything over 8 seconds means your phone is being slowed down.
You can also check on your iPhone battery status by going to Settings > Battery. If there is a problem with your battery, you may see this message: “Your iPhone battery may need to be serviced.”
What to Do About a Slowed Down iPhone
If your phone is slow and you aren’t in the market for a new phone, you can have the battery replaced. Apple is now offering $50 off for anyone looking to replace their battery. Instead of shelling out over $79 for a new battery, it will cost you $29.
This offer is available until the end of 2018 and you can initiate the request through their support page.
iPhone users with the following models are eligible for one battery replacement:
- iPhone SE,
- iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
Using their support page, contact Apple Support by phone or chat to reserve a battery before visiting an Apple Store. You can also mail your phone to have the battery replaced, but will have to pay an extra $6.95 for shipping.