Apple has acknowledged that some users of its latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are experiencing overheating issues and has offered some solutions to mitigate them. The company said that it is working on a software update to address the problem and advised users to follow some best practices to avoid excessive heat.
Overheating reports from users
Some users of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have reported that their devices get excessively hot while charging or during phone calls and FaceTime sessions. Some have also noticed reduced battery life and performance issues due to the overheating.
According to a thermal imaging camera test by a Korean YouTuber, the iPhone 15 Pro reached temperatures of around 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius) when playing games and running benchmarks.
Apple’s response and solutions
Apple has responded to the overheating reports on its support page and said that it is aware of the issue and is working on a software update to fix it. The company also said that it is normal for the devices to feel warm under certain circumstances, such as during initial setup, restoration from backup, wireless charging, or using graphics or processor-intensive applications. The company said that these conditions are temporary and the device will return to a normal temperature once these activities conclude.
Apple also offered some guidance and recommendations for users to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance of their devices. These include:
- Using the device in environments with temperatures between 0º and 35ºC (32º to 95ºF) and avoiding leaving the device inside a parked car, where temperatures can exceed these limits.
- Enabling auto-brightness to allow the device to automatically adjust screen brightness based on ambient light, which can help reduce heat generation and battery drain.
- Managing connectivity settings, such as turning off Bluetooth when not in use and adjusting Wi-Fi and AirDrop settings according to daily needs.
- Considering the impact of phone covers, which can sometimes trap heat and contribute to overheating. Users may want to remove the cover when charging or using the device extensively.
Possible causes of overheating
While Apple has not revealed the exact cause of the overheating issue, some analysts have speculated that it may be related to the design and components of the new iPhone models. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, the overheating issue is likely due to “compromises” that Apple made in the thermal system design in order to make the devices lighter. These compromises include a “reduced heat dissipation area” and the use of a titanium frame, which reduces thermal efficiency.
Another possible factor is the new A17 Pro chip, which is built using a 3-nanometer process and is more powerful and efficient than previous chips. However, Kuo said that this is unlikely to be the primary cause of overheating, as the issue also affects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models, which do not have this chip.
