Last fall, Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series, which generated a lot of excitement among consumers. However, some users who got their hands on the devices early on expressed dissatisfaction by taking to social media to complain about overheating issues.
Apple addressed the issue somewhat quickly by releasing a software update. Months later, some iPhone 15 users still complain about overheating problems with their handsets.
Here’s where things stand on the iPhone 15 overheating issue.
What were people saying about iPhone 15 overheating issues?
Early iPhone 15 adopters took to Apple discussion groups to express their dismay with the battery life on their new handsets. Messages last fall were also left on Reddit and elsewhere.
One Redditor said “If it’s true, Apple’s QA has gone down hill quick.” Another Redditor jokingly commented, “Apple doing its part to make PC gamers feel more at home.” On Apple’s community forums, one user reported that their iPhone 15 Pro Max was “heating up even when I’m not using it.” Someone else reported having the same issue, commenting, “My 15 Pro Max is getting hot and battery draining too quickly.”
Upon initial use, some Digital Trends writers, including myself, experienced extreme heat from our new phones, which seemed to resolve the problem after 24 hours.
What did Apple do?
On October 7, Apple released an update to iOS 17 that it said would resolve the issue, which it blamed on initial startup issues and a bug. Before the update release, the iPhone maker explained to CNET:
“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity.”
Did it really work? What can you do?
Despite multiple iOS 17 updates, some iPhone 15 users still reported overheating problems. Perhaps more interestingly, Apple has indirectly confirmed this. According to Notebookcheck, Apple considers iPhone 15 Pro models running warmer than previous iPhones to be “expected behavior.” A major design change is coming to the iPhone 16series to (finally) address this issue. Apple is rumored to be exploring the “use of graphene to mitigate lingering thermal issues.”
I haven’t encountered any overheating problems with my iPhone 15 Pro Max except on the first day. However, if the rumors are true and Apple intends to use graphene in the iPhone 16, it implies that data indicates that some iPhone users are still experiencing this issue. Unfortunately, that could also confirm that Apple cannot fully resolve the issue using software on the current models.
As Graphene-Info explains: “Graphene is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and has interesting light absorption abilities. It is truly a material that could change the world, with unlimited potential for integration in almost any industry.”
If your iPhone 15 is overheating, contact Apple for assistance. Every new Apple phone comes with a year of free hardware support, so take advantage of this. At the minimum, Apple support might offer some new advice on what to do or give you a new phone for your troubles.
Despite multiple iOS 17 updates, some iPhone 15 users still reported overheating problems. Perhaps more interestingly, Apple has indirectly confirmed this.
Apple has blamed a bug in its operating system and updates to apps such as Instagram for its new iPhone 15 overheating. Since the latest model of the smartphone went on sale in September, some users have complained the devices are getting too hot to touch.
Charging problems are also among the most common iPhone 15 issues. Some users have reported difficulties such as slow charging, no charging, or unexpected reboots while charging.
iOS and iPadOS devices have built-in protections to prevent overheating. If the interior temperature of your device exceeds the normal operating range, your device will protect its internal components by attempting to regulate its temperature.
Q: Why is my iPhone 15 Pro battery draining so fast? A: There could be various causes for the fast battery drain on your iPhone 15 Pro, such as excessive app usage, outdated firmware, or background processes consuming significant battery power.
The iPhone 15 also has a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a new 12-megapixel telephoto camera. The iPhone 15 has the same battery life as the iPhone 14. This means that you can expect to get around a day of use on a single charge. Overall The iPhone 15 is a solid upgrade over the iPhone 14.
The major difference between the iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15 lies in the iPhone 15's enhanced A16 Bionic chip, improved battery life, and better camera capabilities with sensor improvements, offering a more powerful and versatile device overall.
Yes, especially if yours feels sluggish or doesn't hold a charged like it used to. If you're using an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or earlier and you're finding it slow or think the battery is draining too fast, then upgrading to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro is a smart idea.
Older phones may be less efficient and more prone to overheating, but even flagship devices like the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 15 can get too warm if left in the direct sun for too long. Why don't you want your phone to overheat? Because your phone may shut down, throttle service or stop working altogether.
Editor's note, Oct. 7: On Wednesday, Apple released an update to iOS 17 to address a bug that, in part, caused the iPhone 15 Pro and other models to overheat. Apple spoke with CNET about what caused people's iPhones to get hotter than normal.
Why iPhones (and Other Smartphones) Get Hot. If your iPhone gets a little toasty, it's likely not due to a hardware failure. The primary drivers of heat buildup are the onboard processor and the battery. The processor, much like the one on a computer, generates a ton of heat when it's working hard.
Despite multiple iOS 17 updates, some iPhone 15 users still reported overheating problems. Perhaps more interestingly, Apple has indirectly confirmed this.
The Cupertino, California-headquartered company said that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max do not suffer from overheating due to the design, rather the new titanium shells result in improved heat dissipation compared to prior stainless steel models.
If your phone is already hot, it can help to close apps and put it in the shade. But don't even consider putting the device into a refrigerator or freezer. The extreme cold can damage your phone, and the sudden drop in temperature can cause condensation to form inside the device.
The bottom line: It's worth upgrading to the iPhone 15 if you have an iPhone 12. The updates go beyond new technologies like the Dynamic Island and USB-C; you also get a notable upgrade in everything from general performance to battery life and camera quality.
Even with its beefy A16 Bionic chip and all those shiny new upgrades, the iPhone 14 series hasn't been immune to overheating issues. A lot of you have been reaching out with concerns about your device running hotter than seems normal.
The Information today cited a source who said that iPhone 16 models will be equipped with a "larger graphite sheet" inside the chassis of the devices, to address potential overheating. This corroborates a rumor from last November that claimed iPhone 16 models would feature an improved thermal management system.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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