Apple apologises after outcry over slowed iPhones

Facing lawsuits and consumer outrage after it said it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is slashing prices for battery replacements and will change its software to show users whether their phone battery is good.

In a posting on its website yesterday, Apple apologised over its handling of the battery issue and said it would make a number of changes for customers “to recognise their loyalty and to regain the trust of anyone who may have doubted Apple’s intentions.”

Apple made the move to address concerns about the quality and durability of its products at a time when it is charging $999 for its newest flagship model, the iPhone X.

The company said it would cut the price of an out-of-warranty battery replacement from $79 to $29 for an iPhone 6 or later, starting next month. The company also will update its iOS operating system to let users see whether their battery is in poor health and is affecting the phone’s performance.

“We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down,” Apple said in its posting. “We apologise.”