Apple Apologizes for iPhone Slowdowns After Consumer Backlash

Apple has apologized to customers over its handling of aging batteries in iPhones following a wave of complaints and lawsuits. “We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize,” the company said in a statement on its website Thursday. The iPhone maker has faced consumer outrage recently after users complained of a slowdown in older iPhones—a move that some speculated might be intentional. Apple copped to the practice last week, explaining that it had slowed the phones’ performance to prevent aging batteries from causing the phone to unexpectedly shut down. But the company faced further backlash for not disclosing the practice sooner. Apple is now offering a discount on battery replacements to anyone with an iPhone 6 or later, with a markdown from $79 to $29 starting late next month. “We have never—and would never—do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades,” the company said.