How Apple is intentionally “hurting” your phone

The iPhone 3 is one of the earliest Apple models, and has become the focus for Apples recent slowdown of older generation phones.

Helen Innes '19

The iPhone 3 is one of the earliest Apple models, and has become the focus for Apple’s recent slowdown of older generation phones.

All the buzz surrounding the new iPhones, like the 8 and X, are finally coming to a close. Now, a new argument has surfaced: is Apple intentionally slowing down older models of the iPhone? Apple consumers have noticed this issue long before Apple recently issued a statement admitting to intentionally slowing down older iPhone models.

According to CNN, the reason why Apple was slowing down older iPhones models was simple: they tried to get you to buy a new one. The ever-growing tech company claims that the recent updates are slowing down phones in the hopes of improving your phone’s battery life. Lithium-ion batteries, the batteries used in iPhones, get worn down over time, causing them to suddenly shut down.

To help your device last longer, Apple’s newest software update for iPhone models 6 and 7 prevents battery shut downs, but slows down your phone in return (CNN). The company states that this battery-improving feature will be used in the future, which makes some loyal consumers angry.

Multiple lawsuits have been brought against Apple, saying that the feature is used to make you buy the latest, and sometimes most expensive, Apple products. Freshman Raina Hayes thinks that “It’s crazy that they [Apple] can get away with stuff like that. It would be okay if it [the slowing down of iPhones] was announced as a part of the update, but it was kept hidden from the public.”

Speculation is made all the time about big companies trying to scam the public out of their money, and America is certainly fighting back this time.