Some of the first owners of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have complained that the new devices get too hot while using or charging, a potential setback for the company’s flagship products.
The complaints have spread on Apple’s online forums and social media networks, including Reddit and X. Customers report that the back or sides of the phone feel hot to the touch when playing games, making phone calls, or doing FaceTime video chats. For some users, the issue is more pronounced when the device is plugged in to charge.
Apple technical support staff have also been fielding calls about the issue. They referred customers to an old support article on how to deal with an iPhone that feels too hot or too cold. The notice states that overheating may occur when using intensive applications, charging, or setting up a new device for the first time.
Representatives for Cupertino, California-based Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
iPhones account for about half of Apple’s revenue, and new models are scrutinized to rule out any potential flaws. Sometimes problems arise that must be fixed by Apple through software updates or other fixes, but usually these concerns go away on their own.
Apple also has a rigorous testing process designed to detect any defects before the iPhone goes into mass production.
It’s not an unusual phenomenon for devices to get hot, especially considering the supercharged processors that power modern gadgets. The question this time is whether the heat problem persists beyond what consumers consider acceptable.
The problem may be caused or exacerbated by the iPhone setup process. When users get a new phone, redownloading all their apps, data, and photos from iCloud can be a lengthy and processor-intensive process. Some users said they believe the issue could also be triggered by certain apps running in the background, such as Instagram or Uber.
Several people posted videos of themselves using thermometers to check the temperature of their phones.”The iPhone 15 Pro Max gets hot very easily,” one post said. “I was just scrolling through social media and it went viral.” Another said the device got hot enough It can be felt through the suitcase.
But this is not a common problem. Other iPhone 15 Pro users said they did not encounter this problem, or the heating was consistent with previous models. For some customers, putting their iPhone in a protective case at least prevents the device from feeling hot to the touch.
One user complained that the iPhone 15 Pro Max was so hot that it shut down during a call and then turned back on after several minutes. Apple devices sometimes shut down on their own when they overheat or are exposed to sunlight for too long.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with the new A17 chip, which has a more powerful graphics engine. This component is designed to help improve gaming performance and may be a contributing factor. The latest iPhone models also feature a titanium frame, unlike the stainless steel design used since 2017.
Prior to this issue, consumers complained about the FineWoven material used in the latest iPhone 15 cases. Some customers said the fabric, which replaced leather as part of Apple’s environmental initiative, scratches easily and gets stained more easily.
