Should Apple recall iPhone models that are experiencing unexpected shutdowns?

iPhone batteries have reportedly been a long-standing problem since their entry on the market. Users have reported multiple issues with the battery, especially with regards to the iPhone 6.

Its been reported that a bug or defect causes the phone to crash ‘dramatically’, meaning the power might plunge from 50% or 30% to 1% and other times the iPhone just shuts down altogether.

The issue reportedly arose from the iOS 10.1.1 or 10.2 software update, and is thought to be predominantly tied to hardware. From making the software update it seems to have allowed the device to shut down at times of stress and when there are multiple apps running at the same time, according to Apple forums.

There’s evidence to suggest that it’s tied with a hardware problem. Some users reported the issue in the Apple Store, consequently having their batteries replaced. After the replacement, the same users haven’t reported further issues with the battery life.

An IT technician who worked at the Apple Store at the World Trade Centre in Lower Manhattan took his phone into the store after finding the defect in the battery life. He reports that the manager wasn’t surprised by this and replaced the battery without questions. The same technician suspects that Apple employees are swapping batteries on an hourly basis.

More observant spectators theorise that Apple has created this software update as a circuit breaker to prevent the device from overheating or causing fires, as was the case with millions of Samsung devices.

Solution?

Tech giants Apple noted the ongoing issue and released the final version of iOS 10.2.1 on 21^st February in a bid to rectify the issue.

However, one week on from the update, and there are still reportedly persistent issues with the battery life. iOS 10.2.1 apparently won’t improve battery life on the iPhone 6s, or on any other older iPhone models, including the 4, 4s, 5, 5s, SE and 6, that are also said to be plagued with the ‘30% bug’.

Battery replacement programme

To address the battery life issue, Apple launched a limited battery replacement programme; however, it only covers specific iPhone 6s devices specifically manufactured in late 2015. The tech giants acknowledged a “small number” of other iPhones that may have been affected in the same way.

When providing notices to affected users, Apple noted:

“Apple has determined that a very small number of iPhone 6s devices may unexpectedly shut down. This is not a safety issue and only affects devices within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between September and October 2015.”

Mass recall needed?

Although many users have reported and cried out for a solution to the battery life issue, Apple have continually ignored pleas for a proper recall. The iPhone battery issue is reportedly a pandemic issue; so is it time for Apple to take these substantiated claims seriously and expand or develop a further recall programme for all other affected devices?

We can all speculate on what we think is happening, but it’s down to the tech giants to confirm its defective battery and rectify the issue as soon as possible. The company’s silence could be an indicator that they’re working on something.