Published: | Updated:

HOW APPLE'S THROTTLING WORKS 

Apple says with a low battery state of charge, a higher chemical age, or colder temperatures, users are more likely to experience unexpected shutdowns. 

To get around this, it introduces software in iOS to manage the issue.  

'This power management works by looking at a combination of the device temperature, battery state of charge, and the battery’s impedancem' Apple says.

'Only if these variables require it, iOS will dynamically manage the maximum performance of some system components, such as the CPU and GPU in order to prevent unexpected shutdowns. 

'As a result, the device workloads will self-balance, allowing a smoother distribution of system tasks, rather than larger, quick spikes of performance all at once. In some cases, a user may not notice any differences in daily device performance. The level of perceived change depends on how much power management is required for a particular device.

In cases that require more extreme forms of this power management, Apple says users may notice effects such as:

  • Longer app launch times
  • Lower frame rates while scrolling
  • Backlight dimming (which can be overridden in Control Center)
  • Lower speaker volume by up to -3dB
  • Gradual frame rate reductions in some apps
  • During the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be disabled as visible in the camera UI
  • Apps refreshing in background may require reloading upon launch

However, it says the following areas are not affected:

  • Cellular call quality and networking throughput performance
  • Captured photo and video quality
  • GPS performance
  • Location accuracy
  • Sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer
  • Apple Pay
Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

Had iPhone battery issues? Apple is giving £54 in credit to users who replaced their power pack last year after admitting it deliberately...

Apple is offering global users a refund for replacing their batteries. To be eligible, users need to have replaced their battery on an...

'Planned obsolescence is the craziest thinking in the world': Apple hits back at claims it designs iPhones to fail so consumers have to buy...

Apple hit back on claims it intentionally slows down older iPhones to get customers to head to the store and buy a new one. A VP of...

Outrage as Apple reveals it could slow down iPhones bought just a YEAR ago because of 'degrading batteries'

Apple admitted in the iOS 12.1 release notes that the performance management feature will be turned on for its latest iPhone models -...

Most watched News videos