If you ask iPhone users what aspect of their phone they want to change or improve one of the most common answer's would be the battery performance. A brand new iPhone performs remarkably well but, like other gadgets, its battery performance gradually slows down over time affecting the overall experience.

Just last year, Apple was caught in a controversy when it did not deny the fact that it slowed down the performance of iPhone's with older batteries. The slowdown, according to the tech company, was needed in order to prevent frequent crashes.

The controversy led to bad publicity for Apple and resulted in numerous cases filed against them by customers who complained that Apple violated their terms of contract. Some customers went on to accuse Apple of deliberately messing with the older iPhone models in order to force customers to upgrade. This accusation, however, was vehemently denied by Apple.  

As a response to the issue, Apple issued an apology and lowered the cost of out-of-warranty replacement batteries however the wait time to get yours replace could be weeks. If you are in located in Austin we can replace your iPhone battery the same day usually within 30 minutes.

​Apple To Fix The Battery & Speed Issue With An iOS Update

​Apple also promised to roll out a software update concerning the health of iPhone batteries. ​This update hopefully will give users more knowledge as to the health of their phone’s battery. This greater transparency can help customers understand if the declining performance rate of their phone is indeed because of the battery.

True to its promise, Apple has released iOS version 11.3 on 3/29/18 which contains the update regarding the health of iPhone batteries. Under this latest software update, users will be able to see the power management of the controversial update of Apple first introduced in iOS 10.2.1. and the users can choose to turn it off.

​The power management feature of the iPhone was originally placed there in order to protect iPhone's with old or weak batteries from having unexpected shutdowns. With ​iOS 11.3, this feature can be controlled to some extent by the users.

The Future Of iPhone Battery Health

As mentioned above, iOS 11.3 adds a new feature for the device’s battery. If you have already updated to this iOS version then go to Settings and tap on Battery. The first thing you will notice is the Battery Health portion which shows your iPhone’s battery capacity compared to when the battery was new. The comparison is expressed in percentage terms. Moreover, the Battery section will also show you whether or not the battery is performing normally.

​As a guide, according to Apple, the iPhone’s normal battery is built to retain equal to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles. The software update will also enable Apple to recommend to the users if their phone’s battery needs replacement already.

Note that for those devices operating at a full battery capacity like the iPhone X, there is no option to turn off the power management feature that leads to slower performance of older iPhone's with weak or degraded batteries. On the other hand, for those phones which needs battery replacement, the power management feature can be turned off. You can get your battery replacement at Apple or you local cell phone repair shop.

Upon installing the iOS 11.3​, power management is disabled but once the iPhone experiences an unexpected crash, the feature will be automatically enabled. If an iPhone user decides to turn off the power management feature after the automatic turning on, then the user cannot manually turn it on again. The power management feature will only turn on following a crash or shutdown. Again, this will be automatic.

The iOS 11.3 Battery Health feature is available for the following models: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Features of the iOS 11.3 Beta

Aside from the Battery Health upgrade, Apple has also other upgrades in store for iPhone users in this ​version. Some of the most prominent features are written below:

​With the features lined up in the iOS 11.3, hopefully ​this will improve user experience, ease of use, and battery reliability of the iPhone.

​If you have something that you want to sell, but you are still not sure which ​way to go, then this article is for you. ​Discussed below are ​the top five ​websites to sell stuff locally or online that are trustworthy and best in ​connecting buyers and sellers.

​Amazon

​​Another option to sell your stuff ​on Amazon​ is through their direct buy-back program. Under this program, you can sell your stuff directly to Amazon​. They will buy it from you​ and then ​sell it on Amazon under the free shipping ​fulfillment program. There, you can send the products you have to them for free.

​eBay

eBay ​is one of the original websites ​created for buying and selling​ ​stuff on​line. Despite the rise of other online selling websites​, eBay offers better protection for their sellers and buyers. The fees are competitive​ and remains one of the "go-to" ​online sites for buying and selling.

​One advantage of eBay is its global reach ​which offers a wider market to sell your stuff beyond just locally. eBay started off with an auction model but has recently gained popularity with normal ​product listings​. eBay also has different ​methods of payment which both the buyer and the seller can take advantage of. You can even offer the ability for local buyers ​to ​pick up the item instead of shipping.

​OfferUp

When selling online, there are ​tons of risks ​the seller ​assumes: bogus buyers, robbers, and fraudulent people. If you are worried about safety, then a good ​website to sell stuff locally is OfferUp.

​This website​ uses a system​ known as TruYou​. ​This requires ​buyers and sellers ​to verify their identity before ​being able to use ​its ​services. The TruYou system ​allows the user to ​review their ID which helps ​OfferUp ​to determine if their identity is true or not. Sellers without verified identities can still put their items up for sale but they ​are classified ​as unverified ​while verified sellers’ items are highlighted in blue.

The TruYou system is compatible with both Android and Apple devices. Aside from the verification, OfferUp also has a rating system which lets users know what other people who have already dealt with the seller know how it went.

​Selling is very easy to do with OfferUp. With its app, take a picture of the item you want to sell. Input in the details the buyer needs to know and upload it. Voila! Your item is up for sale.

​GSALR.com

GSALR.com is built for garage sales. ​Simply enter your location in the search ​and ​you'll get results ​that ​lists all ​of the garage sales going on in ​your area​. These garage sales are marked with a red flag which you can click on to​ get the details of the garage sale. Details will include things like the time​ and ​location​ among other things.

When you find the garage sale you want to check out, click on the “View Route & Directions” to ​navigate to the place. If you are looking for a specific product​ then you can just browse the listings or look through the photos of all the different individual products​.

​You can also narrow your search with filters​ which enable you to identify the location​ or time​. You can also use keywords ​to filter through the hundreds of listings shown. A convenient way to keep tabs of all the garage sales happening is to add them to your​ favorites list by ​clicking the favorite button found ​on the garage sale page.

ThredUp

Just by its name, you ​could have guessed that this website to sell stuff locally is related to clothes. Clothes is ​one of the most saleable items online but ​usually applies to new clothes only. Used ​clothes are looked ​at with caution ​as buyer ​often wonder where the clothes have been or ​the true condition of the clothes ​versus the description of the seller.

Aside from clothes, ThredUp also offers used shoes, purses, and handbags to interested buyers. With a little digging in the website, buyers are sure to find treasures such as designer bags, clothes, or shoes at discounted prices. Buyers are confident when buying on ThredUp because they guarantee that whatever they see on the website has been physically examined by ThredUp’s team of experts. Selling on ThredUp is easy and without the risk of hesitant or bogus buyers.

​Local In Austin Texas?

If you are in the great city of Austin then you can skip the website to sell your stuff locally and come into our store to sell your electronics. Using us as your go to place save you time and the hassle of selling it your self. You can sell your iPhone, iPad, Laptops, iPods and most other smartphones.

​We hope you found this article on where to sell your stuff locally useful. If you have any comments or questions please leave them below or give us a call at 512-432-5528.

If you are ​looking to buy a new phone, or even a used one, then you may have ​come across phones ​labeled as locked ​or unlocked. Locked phones are those ​that are "locked" to specific carrier networks like AT&T ​or Verizon​. Unlocked ​phones are not "locked" ​to a specific carrier​. For some people, there is no difference between an unlocked phone and a locked one. But if you've ever wondered what does unlocking a phone do, then continue ​reading ​below to ​get yourself familiarized.

Most people are not familiar with what a bootloader is. It is a program in your phone which loads the operating system when the device is turned on.

As its name suggests, it boots the system and loads programs and applications so they are ready to be used. The bootloader found in smartphones are factory locked. This is to protect the operating system from vulnerabilities which can lead to security issues.

​Aside from security ​& system integrity issues, unlocking the bootloader can also​ effect your warranty ​due to changes in the software of the phone. If you are buying your phone with plans of customizing the software, then choose a phone with an unlockable bootloader. Ask first from the cellphone provider if the bootloader is unlockable. There is no definite method on ​unlocking a bootloader but ​there are several how to videos on YouTube.

Sim Locked ​Phones

Aside from locked bootloaders, there are SIM locked phones which is what's most commonly referred to when saying the phone is locked. This means that you cannot use any other SIM carriers other than the carrier it was originally for.

The phone will not work with another carrier’s SIM inserted. SIM locks has nothing to do with a locked bootloaders. Unlike locked bootloaders, SIM locked phones are easier to unlock. 

You can first try to call the carrier of the phone and ask for them to unlock the phone. However, do not expect the carrier networks to make this an easy process. Usually, they sell phones with a predefined locked period. This means that they will not unlock any phone that falls within this predetermined period. 

Second, you can go to a local cell phone repair shop to see if they offer a SIM unlocking service. At our local store in Austin we can unlock your iPhone along with most Android smartphone. The process can take up to 10 business days but once completed, it will be unlocked forever to be used on an​y GSM network.​ 

Third, you can try to unlock your phone online. There are many websites that offer their unlocking services. You will have to provide some information from the phone you want to unlock and pay a fee. Everything is done remotely and it can be difficult to get support if you need help with the process. 

​Be careful when ​using an online unlocking service, some of them​ can ​be a scam to get your personal details. ​Check out different websites first, check their online reviews and ​try to contact them by phone to prove their legitimacy.

Nowadays, ​the carrier networks also ​provide cell phones ​that are already unlocked. This makes things easier for people who ​want the ​ability to ​switch carriers or travel overseas and use the same phone. ​Having an unlocked phone gives you the flexibility ​so that no matter how much you change your carrier, you do not need ​to buy a new phone. 

Locked vs. Unlocked Phones

In ​the below sections, we will talk about the differences between a SIM locked and unlocked phones. We ​briefly ​touched on these two kinds of phones above but in ​the below sections, we will ​dive more ​into the differences between the two. ​​So, what does unlocking phone do? 

Locked Phones

Locked phones are typically sold by the carrier networks. The lock is not a hardware lock but is actually a software lock put in pace by the manufacturer at the requirement of the carrier network selling the device. The lock is there to ensure that the carrier of the phone will only work on their network. If another network's SIM card is inserted the device will not register and prompt for the unlock code.

​It is important to not that not all phones are unlocked using an unlock code. For example, iPhone's are unlocked through software downloaded from iTunes.

Unlocked Phones

An unlocked phone is usually the preferred choice because it does not tie you down to a specific carrier. Also, there typically are no contracts to sign since getting an unlocked phone means paying full retail price upfront.

​Additionally, there ​may be more models to choose from since there ​are certain models not offered by carriers. An unlock phone ​is also less hassle for the ​person who travels internationally. ​While traveling with an unlocked phone you can easily switch from local carrier networks to international SIM cards. ​Also, unlocked phones can be resold at a higher price compares to locked phones.

Benefits ​Of Having ​An Unlocked Phone

In conclusion, having an unlocked phone has its pros which clearly outweigh the cons. To summarize, here are ​a few of those reasons.

​More savings​: ​Let’s face it, locked phones are more expensive than unlocked ones. ​Additionally, they have costly fees when it comes to ​getting it unlocked or carrier​ termination fees if you want to switch carriers. ​​If you find yourself dissatisfied with ​your ​current carrier, then it is fairly easy and much cheaper to switch to another one with an unlocked phone.

A good traveling companion: Because you can swap SIMs without the hassle, an unlocked phone is the best companion when traveling. You can use international SIM cards or ​the local ones in the ​country you are in. 

Faster performance and updates: Locked phones often have an additional software which manufacturers use to lock the device. In unlocked phones, this software is ​nonexistent. Therefore, there is more space in the device for you to use and it's not bogged down by bloatware. For other phones like those run by Android, software updates ​come faster with unlocked phones. 

You may have asked yourself how to find ​iPhone model number. This may be a difficult task since there are so many. Most people are all familiar with the different kinds of iPhone that Apple has released.

The first iPhone was released in 2007 and the latest one, the iPhone X, was released in 2017. Apple also released the iPhone 8 & 8 plus at the same time but which one is better? The iPhone 8 or the iPhone X?

The iPhone X’s design and features are leaps and bounds different from the very first iPhone. However, one thing that has remained similar throughout the years is how Apple assigned model numbers to a particular iPhone.

The model number we're talking about is not the name of the iPhone's like “iPhone 4” or “iPhone 6S Plus”.

An iPhone has two model numbers on it. The first one is the “A” model number which is used to designate the model family of the iPhone such as an iPhone 6S or iPhone 4.

The second model number is referred to as the “SKU” which is used to specify more accurately the device. For example, an iPhone 6S Plus with 32GB of storage.

​In this article, we will be talking about how to find iPhone model number that starts with the "A" and not the SKU.

Why Do You Need ​To Know How To Find ​iPhone Model?

iPhone's tend to look very similar to each other. You can see this clearly with the iPhone 4 vs the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 with the iPhone 5S. ​Also, ​you have the same phone with different storage amounts that further complicate things.

It used to be that they only varied in size or thickness. Therefore, the “A” model number is a reliable way to figure out if the iPhone is an iPhone 6 or an iPhone 6S.

This will be very helpful when you need to get your iPhone repaired and it won't turned on. All you have to do is find the “A” model number to identify which iPhone you have so you can relay that to your local cell phone repair shop.

​Speaking of repairing your iPhone, read our related article about how third party repairs will not void your warranty. Previously, Apple would void your warranty if you gor your iPhone repaired by a third party. There are some things to consider so make sure you read that article.

In addition, the “A” model number is also important to identify which version of the iOS is compatible with the model. As you may know, not all versions of iOS are compatible with all iPhone's. Some iPhone's are compatible with the lower versions of the iOS while more recent iPhone's are compatible with higher versions of the iOS.

​To avoid downloading ​the wrong version of the iOS, it is important to know how to find the iPhone model number to know which version will work best with your iPhone.

The “A” model number is also an easy way to differentiate a CDMA model from a GSM one. This will help you identify what mobile carrier the iPhone is for.

Before the release of iPhone's that has both CDMA and GSM capabilities, the “A” model number had been very helpful. This is because AT&T is always GSM, T-Mobile is always GSM, while Verizon and Sprint are always CDMA.

Last but definitely not the least, knowing the “A” model is extremely helpful to those who use IPSW. IPSW is an iOS firmware, which is used to either manually update a device, which is primarily used for jail-breaking purposes. Also, in worst case scenarios, the IPSW is used for restoring an iPhone that had a major software failure.

​If manually updating your iPhone or getting it restored is something that needs to be done​, then knowing how to find ​iPhone model ​will be very important when downloading the appropriate IPSW files.

What are the Different iPhone Models?

For your reference, here is the complete list of the iPhone model and its “A” model number, as can be seen in Apple’s official website as well.

How ​To Find ​The iPhone​ Model Number​

Now that we discussed all the basics, it is time to know how to find your iPhone’s “A” model number.

First, it should be noted that finding the “A” model number varies depending on the model of the iPhone. For older iPhone's, the “A” model number can be seen at the back of the iPhone. This can be verified from the list above.

From the first iPhone in 2007 until the iPhone 7 last year, the “A” model number can easily be found on the back, bottom part of the iPhone in small lettering. Just flip the phone over and look at the fine print just below the “iPhone” text.

The model number is written in this format: “Model AXXX”. For the more recent models such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, the “A” model number is not found on the back cover. On these iPhone's, go to the Settings app and tap on “General”. Then, go to the About section and scroll down to the “Model”. The first thing that you will see is the “SKU” model number but if you tap on the model number, then it will show the “A” model number.

​To avoid confusion, the “SKU” model number usually starts with a letter M and sometimes end with an “LL/A”. Now that you know how to find iPhone model ​number,​ can now use it for any purpose that you ​needed it ​for.

Ever since the introduction of the touchscreen smartphones, one of the most common problem that smart phone users have to deal with is a cracked screen. The Apple iPhone is no stranger to a cracked screen and seems to be more prone to damage. ​

Smartphone screens can only withstand accidental and minor bumps here and there. A major fall can crack and destroy the screen which sometimes render the smartphone useless. All vital functions on a smartphone are primarily done ​on the screen. ​

​Through the years, touchscreen smartphone manufacturers have tried to make the screens thin yet durable. But despite the efforts, screens are still not 100% resistant to cracking.

​The Apple iPhone Is Know To Crack Easily

Apple’s iPhone, notwithstanding the technology applied to the smartphone, is still not impervious to cracked screens. In fact, cracked iPhone screens are so common that third party repairs have sprung up almost everywhere.

It does not help that cracked iPhone screen replacements are generally not cheap when done by Apple. Third party repair providers offer screen replacement at a cheaper price for the same quality.

Surprisingly though, Apple has became less strict in its screen repairs. Just September of last year, the company lowered the price of its screen replacement. Before, iPhone models under the AppleCare+ could have its screen fixed for a cost ranging from $79-$99. Now, the screen replacement costs only $29.

This has made the Apple repair price competitive since third party repairs usually cost $100 - $150. Here and The Austin Cell Phone, our iPhone screen repair costs range from $59 - $129.

​If the iPhone is out of warranty, the third party repair is more appealing since Apple screen replacements will ​range from $129 to a whooping $279. By making screen replacements for certain iPhone models in a flat rate of $29, Apple has also increased the attractiveness of the AppleCare+ program.

Aside from lowering the price of screen replacements, Apple has also lifted its policy against third party screen repairs. The policy used to state that an iPhone’s warranty is void whenever the device had a third party display. Apple would then will not perform any repair or warranty the device.

​However, early ​in 2017, Apple had a change of heart. The tech company has rolled out a memo which tells Apple retail employees that an iPhone’s warranty is no longer void even if the device’s screen is repaired by a third party cell phone repair shop.

Details of the New Repair Policy

Under the new policy, an iPhone can still be repaired by Apple even if the device’s screen has been previously fixed by a third party repair provider. However, this policy does not apply to all kinds of repair.

​If the repair done by the third party caused damage to the device, then the user has to pay​ the out-of-warranty price​. ​Additionally, if the repair is related to the display, then the cost of the next repair at an Apple store or any authorized shop is at the out-of-warranty price.

Under the memo, before proceeding with the repair of anything not related to the display, the Apple retail store employees or Apple authorized service providers should inspect the iPhone unit for signs of fraud or tampering. As mentioned above, if the repair to be done is due to a damage caused by the display fix done by a third party, any repair by Apple will be considered out-of-warranty.  This includes replacing any parts that the third party service provider has installed.

​AppleCare+ will simply not cover any repair or part replacement related to the repair done by ​a third party service provider. The worst case scenario is that Apple will refuse to repair it.

The memo released by Apple unfortunately applies only to repairs in the United States, Canada, and certain regions. To ensure that your region is included, ​check out Apple's repair terms and conditions before getting your iPhone repaired by a third party service provider.

The Effect Of The Policies In Screen Replacement Price & Third Party Repairs

Until now, Apple has not released any official statement regarding the reason behind the sudden change in its screen repair policy. Nevertheless, consumers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they can get their iPhone’s screen repaired anywhere else without worrying about voiding the warranty.

Additionally, it seems that Apple is also inviting more consumers to replace their screens at authorized service providers by making it cheaper to do so. Consumers can get Apple authorized repairs and parts with the new $29 tier price on all the recent models from iPhone 6 to the iPhone X.

​In the end, consumers are presented with a lot of options for their screen replacement needs. This ensures that users of iPhone's can use and enjoy their units longer since getting screen repairs ​will be easier.

​Cautionary Tips Before Getting Your iPhone Repaired At A Third Party Location

You should be cautious of getting repairs from just any third party service providers. Because of the caveat that Apple has put in its screen replacement policy. An iPhone user must first ascertain that the third party service provider does quality screen repairs.

Here at The Austin Cell Phone we pride ourselves on the repair work that we do. We have great reviews from our many customers who trust us to repair their iPhone's.

Read our reviews on Yelp, Google and Facebook then give us a call when you are ready to repair your iPhone. Most iPhone repairs take only 30 minutes and you do not need to make an appointment. We also offer mail in iPhone repair services for anyone in the USA.

​Please share this article and leave a comment below if you found it useful or informative. We love to hear from our customers.