Apple hints it’s considering such a move in a letter responding to a US senator’s questions about slowing down older iPhones.
Apple hints it’s considering such a move in a letter responding to a US senator’s questions about slowing down older iPhones.
Apple says it’s « exploring » offering rebates to customers who paid full price for a replacement battery to improve their older iPhone’s performance.
The tech giant noted that possibility in a letter to Sen. John Thune, in response to questions about the company’s practice of slowing down older iPhones as their batteries age.
In the letter dated Feb. 2,Apple provided a timeline of events surrounding the issue, some technical details, and answers to eight questions Thune had asked early last month. The senator is a Republican from South Dakota and chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
The last question was about whether the company had considered allowing customers who’d paid full price for a new battery « to seek a rebate for some of the purchase price. » Apple said in December it would replace batteries on iPhone 6 models and later for $29. The company normally charges $79 to replace a battery for a phone not under warranty.
Responding to Thune’s question, Apple said « Yes, we are exploring this and will update you accordingly. »
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Thune issued a statement Tuesday in response to Apple’s letter.
« I appreciate Apple’s response to my inquiry and the company’s ongoing discussions with the committee, » he said. « In those conversations, Apple has acknowledged that its initial disclosures came up short. Apple has also promised the committee some follow-up information, including an answer about additional steps it may take to address customers who purchased a new battery at full price. »
The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are also looking into the issue.
« We have received questions from some government agencies and we are responding to them, » Apple said in an emailed statement last week.
You can read Apple’s full letter from Feb. 2 below:
Apple response to Senate Commerce Committee on slowing down older iPhones – Feb. 2,2018 by jonathan_skillings on Scribd
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