This topic, Processor Throttling, has resurfaced again with the latest iOS 12.1 upgrade. Previously, this feature only appears from iPhone 8 and above. However, with iOS 12.1, older iPhones will have this “feature”. You can choose to turn it off if you want.
So, what is Processor Throttling?
These words “Processor Throttling” are not from Apple. Apple uses very subtle language to address this feature. It mentions: –
This performance management works by looking at a combination of the device temperature, battery state of charge, and battery impedance. Only if these variables require it, iOS will dynamically manage the maximum performance of some system components, such as the CPU and GPU, in order to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Processor Throttling is how the tech world looks at the problem feature. For Apple, they choose the word “Performance Management”.
In short, this feature, if activated, will manage the iPhone performance to prevent it from unexpected shutdowns that might be caused by battery aging over time or usage.
With the iOS 12.1, Apple has included this feature into older iPhones: –
For iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus, iOS dynamically manages performance peaks to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down so that the iPhone can still be used. This performance management feature is specific to iPhone and does not apply to any other Apple products. Starting with iOS 12.1, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X include this feature, but performance management may be less noticeable due to their more advanced hardware and software design.
What users might notice, if this feature is activated, is a slow down in their iPhones. Here is the official list of symptoms from Apple Support: –
In cases that require more extreme forms of this performance management, the user may notice effects such as:
- Longer app launch times
- Lower frame rates while scrolling
- Backlight dimming (which can be overridden in Control Center)
- Lower speaker volume by up to -3dB
- Gradual frame rate reductions in some apps
- During the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be disabled as visible in the camera UI
- Apps refreshing in background may require reloading upon launch
Of course, after the saga last year, Apple has made this feature optional. If your iPhone battery is unhealthy, this feature will be turned on and you can choose to disable it.
How to Check
- Go to Settings
- Select Battery
- Select Battery Health and you will be able to see Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability.