Apple has been accused of steering consumers toward more expensive battery replacements. In response, the Cupertino tech giant said that the "important battery message" added to iOS exists to ensure the safety of customers.
Last week, it was discovered that iPhones that had their batteries changed by a third-party repair shops not authorized by Apple will be shown with a warning that says "unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine iPhone battery."
Even if you use a genuine Apple battery, the warning will still show, which is apparently due to micro-controller that only technicians authorized by Apple can configure. If iOS doesn't detect the right micro-controller, the warning will be displayed, and the battery health stats will be hidden.
In a statement delivered to The Verge, Apple said that they take consumer safety "very seriously" and that the company is only looking out if battery replacements are done properly.
"There are now over 1,800 Apple authorized service providers across the US so our customers have even more convenient access to quality repairs," Apple added.
Apple's decision to hide battery health stats received negative response from its users. The iPhone could theoretically display a similar warning message while continuing to show customers when the battery is aging and in need of a replacement.
As of writing, iOS users with unauthorized batteries claim that information. The battery section in iOS settings shows "service" next to battery health instead, and it will continue to do so until a replacement by Apple is done.
What's confusing is that even with a genuine iPhone battery, this still happens. Apple's defense is that without the micro-controller, it can't detect whatever a battery is trying to report to the system.
If you're not sure where the source of lithium-ion batteries is, it can be very dangerous to gadget users. This is what Apple is trying to avoid. The company says that its batteries are designed to meet company standards and only in its capable hands should replacements be done.
iPhone battery repairs and replacements are now to be handled by Apple technicians in Apple stores and authorized service centers. In the US, Best Buy is also authorized. Other than those places, you will get the warning if you try to replace your battery.
On a final note, anyone who has a genuine iPhone battery but is still shown the warning message can proceed to the business where the gadget is bought so it can be verified.
