Apple iPhone overheating: Why it happens and how to prevent it

As Apple vows to fix overheating issues with their new iPhone 15, see the simple things you can do to keep your iPhone cool.

With the weather warming up and Apple pledging to fix their overheating iPhone 15, many users may be wondering if it’s the hot temperatures or device issues causing problems in their smartphones.

Apple blamed a software bug and other issues tied to popular apps such as Instagram and Uber for causing the recently released iPhone 15 models to heat up.

They are now working on an update to the iOS 17 system that powers the iPhone 15 line-up to prevent the devices from becoming uncomfortably hot and is working with apps that are running in ways “causing them to overload the system.”

Apple blamed a software bug and other issues tied to popular apps for causing the recently released iPhone 15 models to heat up. Picture: AFP

“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,” a spokesperson for Apple said.

“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.”

For Aussies who have an iPhone, or are thinking of buying the latest model, here is everything you need to know when your device gets too hot — or too cold.

IS IT NORMAL FOR THE DEVICE TO HEAT UP?

You may notice that your device feels warmer when you:

• Set up your device the first time
• Restore from a backup
• Wirelessly charge your device
• Use graphics-intensive or processor-intensive apps, games or features, including augmented-reality apps
• Stream high-quality video

These conditions are normal and your device will return to a regular temperature when the process has been completed or when you have finished your activity. If your device doesn’t display a temperature warning, you can keep using your device.

Apple is now working on an update to the iOS 17 system that powers the iPhone 15 line-up to prevent the devices from becoming uncomfortably hot.

HOW CAN I PREVENT IPHONE OVERHEATING?

iPhones and iPads have built-in protections to prevent overheating, however, if the interior temperature of your device exceeds the normal operating range, your device will protect its internal components by attempting to regulate its temperature.

You should try and avoid these conditions and activities as they may change the performance of your device:

• Leaving your device in a car on a hot day.
• Leaving your device in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
• Using certain features in hot conditions or direct sunlight for an extended period of time, such as GPS tracking or navigation in a car, playing a graphics-intensive game or using augmented-reality apps.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF IPHONE OVERHEATING?

If the temperature of your device exceeds the normal operating range, you may notice these changes:

• Charging, including wireless charging, slows or stops.
• The display dims or goes black.
• Cellular radios enter a low-power state. The signal may weaken during this time.
• The camera flash is temporarily disabled.
• Performance slows with graphics-intensive or augmented-reality apps or features.

Also, if you’re using navigation, your device may show this alert and turn off the display: “Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down”. The navigation will still provide audible turn-by-turn directions and when approaching a turn, the display will illuminate to guide you through the turn.

WHAT IF MY DEVICE GETS TOO COLD?

When the temperature drops below freezing, iPhones can start malfunctioning.

Your smartphone might not sense your touch, the battery dies faster and, if it's cold enough, the thing just shuts off.

Battery life will return to normal when you bring your device back to warmer temperatures.

WHAT DOES A TEMPERATURE WARNING SCREEN MEAN?

If your device exceeds a certain temperature threshold, it will present a temperature warning screen similar to this:

If your device exceeds a certain temperature threshold, it will present a temperature warning screen.

An iPhone showing this message may still be able to make emergency calls.

However, to resume using your phone as quickly as possible, turn it off, move it to a cooler environment away from direct sunlight and allow it to cool down.

WHAT DO I DO IF A RESTORE PAUSED NOTIFICATION APPEARS?

If your device exceeds a certain temperature threshold while restoring from an iCloud backup, your restore may pause temporarily. This message appears: “Restore Paused. Restoring from iCloud will resume when this [device] cools down.”

This pause keeps your device within an acceptable operating temperature. Your restore will resume when the device cools down.

Originally published as Apple iPhone overheating: Why it happens and how to prevent it