Apple has acknowledged that some users of its latest iPhone 15 models are experiencing overheating problems and said that it will release a software update to address the issue.
The iPhone 15 models, which were launched on September 22, 2023, have received complaints from users on Apple’s forums, Reddit, and social media about getting too hot during use. CNBC’s review of the new iPhone Pros also noted that the iPhone 15 Pro Max got hot.
Apple said in a statement on Saturday that the overheating issue was caused by a combination of factors, including a bug in iOS 17, some recent updates to third-party apps, and a temporary set-up period for the new devices.
“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. We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out,” Apple said.
Apple said that the software update to fix the iOS 17 bug will not affect the performance of the devices and that it is normal for devices to be warm when they are being heavily used. Apple’s website also advises users that phones may feel warmer when they are set up from a backup, when they are wirelessly charging, using graphics-heavy apps or games, or streaming high-quality video. Apple says that if iPhones do not display a temperature warning, they are safe to use.
The overheating issue does not seem to have dampened the demand for the new iPhone models, which feature a redesigned titanium enclosure with an aluminum frame, a faster A16 chip, improved cameras, and longer battery life. The new iPhones have been selling well, with ship times for some models stretching out for weeks and long lines forming in front of Apple stores on launch day.
However, some analysts have warned that the overheating issue could hurt Apple’s reputation and sales in the long run. Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple supply chain analyst, said last week in a blog post that the iPhone 15′s heat problem could affect customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth marketing.
Apple has faced launch issues with previous iPhone models as well, but they have not significantly impacted the company’s long-term outlook. In 2010, the iPhone 4 had a design flaw that could lead to calls being dropped. Apple offered free cases to solve the problem. In 2012, Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized for Apple Maps being buggy and unreliable after the launch of the iPhone 5. In 2014, the iPhone 6 was criticized for bending under pressure.