Apple’s latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 15, has been facing some complaints from users who claim that their devices are overheating or feeling uncomfortably hot to the touch. The issue seems to affect the iPhone 15 Pro models more than the standard ones and occurs when using certain apps or updating the software. Apple has acknowledged the problem and released a software update to fix it.
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What Causes the iPhone 15 to Overheat?
According to Apple, there are several factors that can cause the iPhone 15 to run warmer than expected. One of them is a bug in iOS 17, the operating system that powers the iPhone 15. The bug affects some users who update their devices from iOS 16 to iOS 17 and causes the device to consume more power than normal.
Another factor is the recent updates to some third-party apps, such as Instagram, Uber, and Asphalt 9. These apps overload the system and cause the device to heat up. Apple said it is working with these app developers to roll out fixes that will reduce the overheating issue.
A third factor is the increased background activity that occurs during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device. This activity includes downloading apps, syncing data, and optimizing performance. This process can make the device feel warmer until it is completed.
How to Fix the Overheating Issue?
Apple has released a software update labelled iOS 17.0.3, which includes release notes specifically addressing the issue of iPhones experiencing higher-than-anticipated temperatures. The update also provides security updates and bug fixes for other issues.
To download the update, users can go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts. The update should resolve the overheating issue for most users.
However, if the device still feels hot after updating, users can try some simple steps to cool it down, such as:
- Removing the case if they have one
- Avoiding direct sunlight or hot environments
- Closing unused apps or restarting the device
- Reducing screen brightness or turning on low power mode
- Avoiding wireless charging or fast charging
- Contacting Apple support if none of the above works
Is the Overheating Issue a Safety Risk?
Apple assured users that the overheating issue is not a safety risk and will not affect the long-term performance of their devices. The company also said that iPhones have internal protections for components to help regulate the temperature if it gets too high.
If the device reaches a critical temperature, it will display a temperature warning and limit some features until it cools down. This is a rare occurrence and should not happen under normal circumstances.
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How Does the Overheating Issue Affect iPhone Sales?
The overheating issue comes as Apple reported strong demand for its iPhone 15 lineup, especially for its premium iPhone 15 Pro offerings. Analysts at firms such as Wedbush Securities reported that iPhone 15 pre-orders were tracking better than originally expected, and delivery and shipment times have moved to late October through mid-November for various Pro models.
The new iPhones feature advancements in processor, camera, and charging system, as well as discounts from mobile carriers, which could entice users to upgrade this year. According to Wedbush estimates, about 250 million iPhones have not been upgraded in more than four years.
The overheating issue could be a minor setback for Apple’s sales momentum, but it is unlikely to deter loyal customers who are eager to get their hands on the latest iPhones. As long as Apple can quickly fix the problem and ensure customer satisfaction, it should not have a lasting impact on its reputation or revenue.