I replaced the battery in an apple 4S in the last year. It was relatively easy and cost under $30. It made the phone work like new. I am usually up to date on technology but just didn’t need anything from Apple that the newer phones provided. I finally upgraded to a Samsung 8, but still have the 4S in working order as a spare.
Um. The date on my cite is December 21, 2017.
Nothing in your link backs up your original statement that the iOS update is RAM-hungry, that updating the software and replacing the battery will nearly brick your phone, and that it will slowly grind to a halt for good. That statement is still nonsense.
In fact, it seems like you’re conflating those completely unfounded claims with Apple admitting to slowing down some iPhones in order to save battery health. Otherwise, why would you say your statement (bricked iPhones, etc) is based on cold hard fact provided by Apple when the link says nothing of the sort?