Apple doesn't issue apologies lightly. And the company doesn't like missing an opportunity to make money. However, Apple ended 2017 offering a begrudging apology, and reducing the price of replacement iPhone batteries. Bringing Batterygate to a satisfying conclusion.

In December 2017, Apple finally admitted to what many people had suspected for a long time. Namely, that the company was slowing down old iPhones. This was intentional, not to force users to upgrade, but to prevent old iPhones from shutting down when they were overworked.

While Apple's intentions were pure, some users weren't happy with what they saw as a feature intended to reduce performance. Especially as Apple chose not to inform users of the feature, let alone give them control over its deployment. And Apple has now responded to the backlash.

Apple Apologizes Over Batterygate

Apple has apologized for the confusion over the way older iPhone batteries are managed. In the apology, Apple rejects the notion of planned obsolescence, saying it would "[never] intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades."

The company then explains how old batteries affect performance, and further explains the software update it added to iOS 10.2.1 to help prevent iPhones shutting down unexpectedly. Apple then details the things it's doing to help address customers' concerns over older iPhones.

Making It Cheaper to Replace Batteries

The big news is Apple is reducing the price of replacing an out-of-warranty iPhone battery from $79 to $29. This is available worldwide to "anyone with an iPhone 6 or later" until December 2018. And who knows, maybe Apple will permanently reduce the price as a gesture of goodwill.

Apple is also promising to release an iOS update in early 2018 that gives users "more visibility into the health of their iPhone’s battery". Which is all most people annoyed by the news Apple was slowing down older iPhones really wanted. Because being upfront with customers is the key.

A Simple Solution to a Tricky Problem

While the apology comes across as passive aggressive, any apology is better than no apology. And reducing the costs associated with replacing an iPhone battery is a welcome resolution to the problem. Especially if it means you can start using your old iPhone in creative ways.

What do you think of Apple's apology over Batterygate? Do you appreciate Apple lowering the price of replacement batteries for older iPhones? Will you be taking Apple up on its offer? Or are you likely to just buy a new iPhone instead? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Karlis Dambrans via Flickr