CALIFORNIA: Some of the first owners of Apple Inc.’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are complaining that the new devices get too hot during use or while charging, a potential setback for the company’s flagship product.
The gripes have spread across Apple online forums and social media networks, including Reddit and X.
Users report that the back or side of the phone becomes noticeably warm during activities such as gaming, phone calls, or FaceTime video chats. The issue seems more pronounced for some when the device is connected to a charging source. Apple’s technical support team has been addressing these concerns, directing users to an existing support article outlining guidelines for managing an iPhone that experiences extreme temperatures. The article mentions that overheating may occur during resource-intensive app usage, charging, or during the initial setup of a new device.
Despite customer complaints, Cupertino-based Apple has not responded to requests for comments on the matter. Given that the iPhone contributes significantly to Apple’s revenue, any issues with new models attract close scrutiny. While some problems necessitate software updates or other fixes from Apple, others tend to resolve themselves over time.
Apple employs a stringent testing process to identify and rectify potential issues before mass production of the iPhone begins. While it’s common for devices to generate heat, particularly with powerful processors in modern gadgets, the key concern is whether the reported heat issue surpasses what users consider acceptable.
The problem might be linked to or exacerbated by the iPhone setup process. Transferring apps, data, and photos from iCloud during the initial setup is a processor-intensive procedure. Some users speculate that certain background-running apps, such as Instagram or Uber, could be contributing to the issue.
Videos posted by users demonstrate attempts to measure the phone’s temperature with a thermometer, with one post indicating that the iPhone 15 Pro Max becomes excessively hot during simple activities like browsing social media. Another user mentioned that the device became hot enough to be felt through a protective case.
However, not all iPhone 15 Pro owners are facing the problem, with some reporting normal heat levels consistent with prior models. For some, using a case mitigates the perception of heat. One user reported that their iPhone 15 Pro Max became so hot during a call that it shut off, taking a few minutes to restart—an occasional safety measure for Apple devices in response to overheating.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max boast a new A17 chip with an enhanced graphics engine for better gaming performance. This new component, along with the shift to a titanium frame from the previous stainless-steel design, could contribute to the reported heat issues.
This concern about overheating follows recent complaints about the FineWoven material used in the latest iPhone 15 cases. Users have noted that this fabric, part of Apple’s environmental initiative to replace leather, is susceptible to scratches and tends to accumulate dirt more easily, adding to the list of customer grievances.
