Mikey Campbell
Apple on Thursday revealed an iOS point update that was released a month ago includes a bug fix for an issue causing iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus device owners to experience unexpected shutdowns.
With the release of iOS 10.2.1, Apple quietly patched what appears to be a power management issue that in some cases would cause iPhone 6 and 6s hardware with older batteries to shutdown.
Apple has been gathering data about the fix and its effectiveness since iOS 10.2.1 was released in late January. While the software does not completely rectify the situation, the company in a statement provided to TechCrunch notes an 80 percent reduction in shutdown symptoms on iPhone 6s devices and 70 percent on iPhone 6 units.
With iOS 10.2.1, Apple made improvements to reduce occurrences of unexpected shutdowns that a small number of users were experiencing with their iPhone. iOS 10.2.1 already has over 50% of active iOS devices upgraded and the diagnostic data we've received from upgraders shows that for this small percentage of users experiencing the issue, we're seeing a more than 80% reduction in iPhone 6s and over 70% reduction on iPhone 6 of devices unexpectedly shutting down.
We also added the ability for the phone to restart without needing to connect to power, if a user still encounters an unexpected shutdown. It is important to note that these unexpected shutdowns are not a safety issue, but we understand it can be an inconvenience and wanted to fix the issue as quickly as possible. If a customer has any issues with their device they can contact AppleCare.
According to the report, Apple determined the shutdowns are triggered by particularly intensive processing tasks. Older batteries are unable to handle the subsequent spikes in power, prompting emergency system shutdowns. New batteries are apparently left unaffected, suggesting normal hardware degradation — often pronounced in lithium-ion cells — is a major causal factor.
Along with the power management patch, iOS 10.2.1 integrates a new feature that allows users who experience unexpected shutdowns to simply restart their phone. Previously, users had to connect an afflicted device to a power adapter to complete the reboot operation. Additionally, Apple will soon add a "service battery" notice to the battery information tool found in the Settings app under Battery, helping owners diagnose their own hardware.
Though not a comprehensive solution, the partial fix is a welcome addition to iOS and should extend the lifecycle of older iPhone 6 and 6s devices.
The unexpected shutdown issue caused a stir earlier this year and led to reports claiming Apple would initiate a second iPhone 6s battery replacement program, but AppleInsider sources debunked those rumors. Last November, Apple issued a battery recall for a "very small" batch of iPhone 6s units due to manufacturing issues.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
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17 Comments
I thought the iPhone 6 wasn't having that problem? (You know, despite the ones that did, like mine did last year.)
I guess shutting down is better than catching on fire...
My 6s has continued to shut down as soon as it gets cool. Frustrating at the least and potentially dangerous as I use it when out snowmobiling and any other outdoor activities. I have had about seven shutdowns since October. I only take it outside when I need to. Relying on wife's 5. Phone was at London Drugs 17 days in Jan. with no battery coming. Had to pick it up b/c I needed it while my wife was away. Now it will be gone next week minimum of a week at jump.ca. They can't order a battery until the phone is in store...
Contacted Apple in December and walked through all the steps with them - a couple of hours on the phone and following steps they needed me to do despite the fact it was already public knowledge which serial numbers were affected. That's how I knew there was a recall for my phone. I found that to be ridiculous. They said they would contact me and arrange a courier. Here we are, two months later!! Hilarious. Not everyone lives close to an Apple store. Not everyone has the time to call Apple and sit on hold or walk through their required steps. 5.5 hour drive min for me. Local options are 100 kms and you see how that is going. They need to take better care of us to keep us.
The random shutdown was a bloody annoying problem with my iPhone 6s. I gave up after dealing with Apple Support, whose diagnosis and advice was plain crap. Useless.
Finally, the sap that I am, I replaced it with an iPhone 7 before I was done fully paying for the 6s.
Apple customer service was embarrassingly pathetic on this one.