[Updated] iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating or getting hot even while performing light tasks? Here's the potential reason

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on September 25, 2023) follows:

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max users have taken to social media platforms to report overheating issues with their device (1,2,3,4,5).

Although the A17 Pro chip, which touts being the world’s first 3nm chip, is one of the many factors that contribute to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s exceptional performance.

However, the pursuit of this performance seems to have led to an unforeseen problem of overheating. Multiple reports have confirmed that when subjected to benchmark tests, the device tends to get exceptionally hot.

iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating even while performing light tasks

Even though the A17 Pro chip allows for greater efficiency, its smaller size has a downside as it makes the chip more susceptible to overheating. The 3nm chip manufactured by TSMC, heats up the device even with lighter tasks.

So, these issues have surely raised eyebrows and caused concern among tech enthusiasts and experts (1,2,3,4,5,6).

iPhone 15 Pro Max gets so hot, you definitely need a case. You don’t even need to be doing anything intensive for it to get hot 😂…hope your fav YouTubers tell you this
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The iPhone 15 Pro Max does get hotter, even when compared to the hot iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple really needs to create a better design, for better heat dissipation.
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While benchmark testing can be demanding, what’s more concerning is that some users have reported overheating issues during normal tasks.

Activities like web browsing, or even simple texting have caused the iPhone 15 Pro Max to heat up to uncomfortable levels. Sometimes, it even gets difficult to hold the device without a case.

One user even reported their camera freezing, presumably due to the overheating. This is an alarming problem for a flagship device that should excel in both performance and reliability.

iPhone 15 Pro Max camera freezing up. It was kinda hot and sunny outside, so maybe it was a heat issue?
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These presumptions just don’t end here. The overheating issue has also led some users to point fingers at iOS 17 optimization.

Here’s another major potential reason behind overheating

According to one of the users, the iPhone 15 Pro Max SoC running at double the wattage compared to its predecessor (iPhone 13 Max) is a significant concern.

They claim that while higher wattage can contribute to improved performance, it can also lead to more substantial heat generation. If not managed properly, this can result in thermal throttling and potential overheating problems.

Also, the A17 Pro leaked benchmark was done by Geekerwan on YouTube and displayed a 2,999 single-core result. However, it required an “insane cooling rig”, thus suggesting huge thermal throttle issues with the A17 Pro.

It looks like that CRAZY A17 Pro Leaked benchmark showing 2,999 single-core score in Geekbench 6 was done by Geekerwan on YouTube!
The catch: They had to use their insane cooling rig to achieve it. This suggests that the A17 Pro has HUGE thermal throttle issues!
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Additionally, the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro can get up to 48 degrees Celsius further emphasizes the heat issues that users may experience.

Having said that, it’s worth noting that certain Apple Stores have reportedly cautioned against using Android charging cables with the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. They cite potential overheating concerns when using third-party cables.

Some contrary views

While we saw a number of users reporting overheating issues, there are some who never encountered such problems.

I’ve had zero overheating issues with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. And I legit don’t close any apps lol. Not even felt hot yet. Wondering if it’s a software bug ?
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Nonetheless, the overheating issue, as confirmed by benchmark testing and user reports during normal tasks, is a concern that cannot be ignored.

As users eagerly await solutions to these issues, it is clear that Apple needs to address these concerns promptly.

In the meantime, we’ll keep tabs on the latest developments and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

11:49 am (IST): According to a well-known analyst, the overheating issues in iPhone 15 Pro models have been caused by the design changes made by Apple and not the SoC manufacturing process. More on that here.

11:09 am (IST): A YouTuber claimed that Instagram is the culprit for the overheating issue on iPhone 15 Pro Max.

And a potential workaround that might work is use Instagram in low-power mode. And turn off background refresh for Instagram.

12:33 pm (IST): Apple has reportedly acknowledged the overheating issue and said that it is happening due to background activity, unoptimized app and iOS 17.

Moreover, they will soon release a fix to address this bug. More on that here.

03:33 pm (IST): Apple has released iOS 17.0.3 update for eligible iPhones, and it includes a fix for the overheating issues on iPhone 15 Pro.

06:09 pm (IST): It seems that the iOS 17.0.3 update hasn’t resolved the overheating issue on iPhone 15 Pro as users are still experiencing this issue.

Note: In the meantime, you can also checkout our dedicated Apple section, for more such content.

Featured image source: Apple

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