Apple has announced it is developing an iOS 17 update to address overheating issues reported with the newly released iPhone 15 lineup. The overheating issues primarily affect the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
In a rare weekend statement, Apple said, “We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. We are working on an iOS update to optimize performance under these conditions and prevent overheating issues.”
While new iPhones often run warm under heavy use, like gaming or augmented reality apps, many iPhone 15 users have reported abnormally high heat levels during regular device use. Videos online show some iPhone 15 Pro units reaching temperatures as high as 96°F when simply using the Instagram app.
The overheating issues are tied to the new A17 Bionic chipset and how it interacts with iOS 17. Apple says certain “performance-intensive” apps are overworking the CPU and GPU, causing excessive heat buildup. The company is optimizing how iOS 17 update allocates workloads across the A17 cores to reduce thermal strain.
An iOS 17 update is expected within the next 1-2 weeks. It will tweak the operating system’s resource allocation, app prioritization, and thermal management profiles. This should prevent the A17 chip from overheating during typical real-world use.
Apple stated the iPhone 15’s new titanium chassis and USB-C port are not factors in the overheating issues. The company also emphasized there are no safety risks from the high temperatures. However, usability can be improved when attempting to hold a too-hot phone.
This is not the first time an iPhone model has faced criticisms of overheating issues. In 2020, the iPhone 12 lineup experienced similar heat-related complaints shortly after launch. An iOS 14 update provided a fix a few weeks later.
With the iPhone 15’s A17 Bionic representing one of Apple’s most ambitious chip designs, it’s not surprising that there are some initial growing pains. The 5nm TSMC fabrication and nearly 16 billion transistors introduce new complexity. Software optimizations will likely iron out the kinks.
The Impact on Apple
For Apple, the iPhone 15 overheating issues comes at a terrible time. Due to economic factors, the company is already facing weakening demand for its premium phones. On top of that, the iPhone 15 brought relatively minor upgrades over last year’s models.
Between the modest improvements and $1000+ pricing, consumers have shown less enthusiasm for upgrading to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineups. Add in reports of overheating issues, and it further damages public perception of the new devices.
That said, Apple has faced launch issues before and recovered successfully. As long as the iOS 17 update resolves the thermal problems, it should not leave a lasting mark on iPhone 15 sales. But Apple does need to tread carefully to maintain its reputation for quality and reliability.
What Users Can Do
Only when Apple releases the iOS 17 update will iPhone 15 owners have limited options for addressing overheating. Avoiding intensive apps like mobile games or AR experiences will help reduce heat buildup.
Turning off the always-on display and auto-brightness can lower power draw and thermals. Otherwise, wait for the software update before passing judgment on the iPhone 15’s cooling capabilities.
If phones continue overheating issues after the update, Apple will likely issue replacements to affected users, as in previous scenarios. For now, monitor your iPhone 15’s temperature and avoid apps that cause it to get too hot.
Industry Response
Mobile industry analysts say they are not surprised by reports of iPhone 15 overheating. New hardware and software often have quirks that get resolved via updates.
While competitors may try to leverage the overheating controversy in their marketing, iPhones have always run warm relative to Android devices. As long as Apple promptly addresses the problem, it should not tarnish its reputation with consumers long-term.
Some speculate whether the overheating is related to Apple’s reliance on TSMC’s 5nm process versus the newer 4nm node adopted by rivals like Qualcomm. But 5nm remains highly advanced, and Apple’s Silicon team optimizes aggressively for the process. Any node-related disadvantages are likely marginal.
Ultimately, the iPhone 15 overheating stems from regular launch growing pains. With super-charged hardware like the A17, assessing real-world performance takes time. As is often the case, software refinements can work wonders once engineers identify areas for optimization.
The Road Ahead
Looking beyond the iPhone 15, Apple hinted that future models could adopt new ultra-low voltage cores to complement the high-performance cores. This could strike a better balance for reducing both overheating and battery drain.
Apple is also rumored to be developing its modem chipset to replace Qualcomm’s eventually. Integrating the modem and application processor onto a single chip could offer thermal efficiencies.
The iOS 17 update will hopefully remedy the worst of the iPhone 15 overheating. Apple’s tremendous software capabilities have repeatedly tamed the challenges presented by cutting-edge iPhone hardware. There is little reason to expect anything different this time. As early adopters work through the initial bugs, the iPhone 15 will likely become another rock-solid and beloved generation.
