IPhone 7: Everything We Know

In devices that have degraded lithium-ion batteries, Apple has introduced power management features that can slow down the iPhone during times of peak power draw to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Several lawsuits have been filed against Apple accusing the company of deliberately slowing devices to encourage upgrades, which Apple says it does not do. Power management features are designed to extend the life of the iPhone rather than shorten it. 29 regardless of battery health. Each older iPhone is entitled to one low-cost battery replacement.

Supplies were limited in early 2018 due to demand, but Apple is offering reduced-cost batteries through the end of the year. Any customers who are affected by the power management features and slowdowns because of a depleted battery will see improved performance after replacing the battery. It's important to note, though, that even those affected by throttling will not see it at all times -- it only kicks in at certain times when the processor is taxed.

As promised back in December, iOS 11.3 introduces a new "Battery Health" section to the Battery portion of the Settings app, which provides iOS users with more information about the health of their iPhone battery. It includes details on current maximum capacity, current operating performance, and if an iPhone is subjected to throttling via power management features, it offers a toggle to turn it off. More details can be found in our how to post. Power management features impact the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.

Apple has launched a repair program for iPhone 7 models impacted by an ongoing bug that causes them to say "No Service" even when cellular coverage is available. Apple is offering free repairs for devices impacted by this issue, which includes iPhone 7 devices with the following model numbers: A1660, A1779, and A1780. Customers in need of a repair should contact Apple support, visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or visit an Apple retail store. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus use different LTE modems, sourced from Intel and Qualcomm.

The Intel modem only supports GSM and is limited to the AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the U.S., while the Qualcomm modem supports GSM/CDMA and is available for Verizon and Sprint. According to iPhone 7 Plus testing done by Cellular Insights, the Intel iPhone models perform worse than the Qualcomm models when in areas with poor signal.

When signal strength is good, there are no performance problems, and real world experience may vary from user to user. Apple may also be throttling the LTE performance of the Verizon iPhone 7 with a Qualcomm modem to keep it on par with the AT&T iPhone 7 with an Intel modem. Based on testing, the Verizon iPhone 7 should significantly outperform the AT&T iPhone 7, but instead, the two devices perform similarly with the Verizon iPhone 7 displaying only a slight edge.