Since their launch, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been the talk of the town due to their impressive features and technological advancements. Also, to a much lesser extent, due to an issue that some of them experience under specific circumstances: heat. While some users claim their phones get warmer than they should, Apple has confirmed that the cause of this peculiar situation has been identified and that a software update will fix it soon.
Errors in third-party apps and one in iOS 17 are the culprits
The issue of overheating, which has been a subject of debate and speculation since it was detected, is not related to the design or the use of titanium in the new iPhone 15, as mentioned in some media outlets. On the contrary, Apple has debunked claims that the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro could be behind the situation. According to the company, this frame, along with the aluminum substructure, dissipates heat better than any previous Pro model that had a stainless steel frame.
The true culprit, according to Cupertino’s experts, is a combination of factors, primarily at the software level. Apple identified a bug in iOS 17 that has affected some users, causing the device to heat up more than expected. Additionally, another issue stems from recent updates in certain third-party applications that overload the system, including popular apps like Instagram, Uber, and the video game Asphalt 9: Legends.
It’s crucial to mention that this behavior is not due to a flaw in the device’s design or construction; it’s related to the software. Therefore, Apple will not reduce the power or performance of the A17 Pro, as it has not been the cause at any point. The company has also confirmed that the situation will not have a long-term impact on the affected phones.
In the statement provided by Apple (via MacRumors), the company highlights: “We have identified some conditions that may cause the iPhone to operate at higher temperatures than expected. The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setup or restore due to increased background activity.”
Apple is already working on an update, possibly iOS 17.1, which will address this situation for the affected users. Although this update is expected to be available by the end of October, it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple decided to release a smaller and quicker fix in an intermediate version, such as iOS 17.0.3.
At the same time, Apple is closely collaborating with developers of the apps that have caused issues to ensure these problems are resolved. In fact, it appears that Instagram has already implemented a partial solution in a recent update released last Wednesday.
For those who have been eagerly awaiting an official response on this matter, Apple’s statements bring a reassuring message. Knowing that it’s a software issue, not a hardware one, and seeing the commitment to fixing the error and collaborating with developers responsible for the apps affecting the phones, promises a definitive solution to the situation. A somewhat uncomfortable situation that, fortunately, will soon be in the past while we continue enjoying our iPhone 15.
