Apple announced that its next update to iOS 11.3 will include a toggle that will allow users to turn off a controversial feature that slows down iPhones when batteries are running low, although it signalled it might take months more to deliver.
The company says iOS 11.3 will launch soon. An initial beta is available today, but the battery features haven’t yet been implemented. Once they’re added, Apple says users will be able to “see if the power management feature that dynamically manages maximum performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns, first introduced in iOS 10.2.1, is on and can choose to turn it off.”
The update also shows more detailed information on battery health for the iPhone 6 and later. Apple confirmed in December that software in its iPhone 6, 6s and SE models, which deals with dangers from ageing batteries, could slow down the phone’s performance.
The company is facing lawsuits over the issue and Chief Executive Tim Cook said last week that Apple would release a software update to allow users to turn off the feature.
The company said, a beta version of its iOS 11.3 operating system would add new features to show battery health and recommend if a battery needs to be serviced.
Users would also be able to see if the power management feature that prevents unexpected shutdowns is on and can choose to turn it off.
However, the company did not specify exactly when that update would be available, saying only that it would come after the planned release of iOS 11.3 this spring that adds a slew of new animojis and features for its health app.
