Thune Seeks Answers from Apple on Battery-Related iPhone Throttling

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., is pressing Apple CEO Tim Cook to explain the company's decision to slow the performance of iPhone 6 cellphones in response to diminishing performance of iPhone 6 batteries. Apple apologized in December for its actions, which continue to draw criticism (see 1712290019). “The large volume of consumer criticism leveled against the company in light of its admission suggests that there should have been better transparency with respect to these practices,” Thune said in a letter released Wednesday. He asked Apple to disclose whether it used similar throttling technology in previous iPhone models and how the company decided to cut the price of replacement batteries to $29 after the public outcry. Thune sought answers from Apple by Jan. 23. Apple didn't comment.