Apple’s iPhone 15 pro, pro max users complain that device can get too hot
By Mark Gurman
Some of the first owners of Apple Inc.’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. complaining that the new devices get too hot during use or while charging, a potential setback for the company’s flagship product.
The complaints have spread across Apple’s online forums and social media networks, including Reddit and For some users, the problem is more prominent when the device is plugged in for charging.
Apple technical support representatives have also fielded calls regarding this issue. They referred customers to an old support article on how to deal with an iPhone that feels too hot or too cold. The notification says that overheating can occur when using intensive apps, charging or setting up a new device for the first time.
A representative for Cupertino, California-based Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
The iPhone accounts for about half of Apple’s revenue, and new models are closely watched for potential flaws. Sometimes issues arise that need to be addressed by Apple – with software updates or other solutions – but often the concerns go away on their own.
Apple has also implemented a rigorous testing process designed to catch any pitfalls before the iPhone goes into mass production.
Devices heating up is not an uncommon phenomenon, especially considering the supercharged processors that power modern gadgets. The question this time is whether the heat problem will persist and go beyond what consumers find acceptable.
The problem could be caused or aggravated by the iPhone installation process. When users get a new phone, redownloading all their apps, data, and photos from iCloud can be a long and processor-intensive procedure. Some users say they believe the problem could also be caused by certain apps running in the background, such as Instagram or Uber.
Several people have posted videos of themselves checking the phone’s temperature with a thermometer. “iPhone 15 Pro Max gets very hot quickly,” said one message. “I just surf social media and it burns out.” Another said the device got hot enough to be felt through a carrying case.
But it is not a universal problem. Other iPhone 15 Pro owners have said they are not experiencing the issue or that the heat is in line with previous models. For some customers, placing the iPhone in a case at least kept the device from feeling warm.
One user complained that the iPhone 15 Pro Max got hot enough to turn off during a call and then took a few minutes to turn back on. Apple’s devices occasionally shut down when they overheat or are exposed to the sun for too long.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max contain a new A17 chip with a more powerful graphics engine. That part, which is intended to help improve gaming performance, could be a contributing factor. The latest iPhone models also have a titanium frame, a switch from the stainless steel design used since 2017.
The issue comes after customers complained about the FineWoven material used in the latest iPhone 15 cases. That fabric, which replaces leather as part of Apple’s environmental policy, is prone to scratches and gets dirty more quickly, some customers say.