Early users of the iPhone 15 report that their device can reach temperatures of over 40 degrees while charging. A consequence of the new design.

The iPhone 15 has only been on shelves for a week, but the new models are already being widely discussed. In particular, the (forced) switch to USB-C and the titanium frame of the Pro and Pro Max are popular topics of discussion. The experiences of early adopters literally add fuel to the fire: When charging, the iPhone 15 can get so hot that you can no longer hold the device.

Various posts on Reddit and in the Apple forum show that this is not an isolated case involving an affected consumer. It is reported that the iPhone can reach temperatures of over forty degrees Celsius, higher than Apple’s recommended temperature range (max. 35°C).

This mainly happens while charging and especially when you activate fast charging mode (which is not particularly fast compared to other brands). But there are also consumers who have the feeling that their device heats up during daily use.

titanium

There are now several theories circulating as to why the iPhone 15 appears to be significantly warmer than its predecessors. The A17 processor, which is based on TSMC’s 3nm process, is blamed for this, but according to Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo, this is unjustified. Rather, it points in the direction of design. The heat dissipation area is smaller to make the iPhone 15 lighter, and the titanium of the Pro models doesn’t help with thermal efficiency either.

The titanium frame clearly has its advantages and disadvantages. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro feel lighter in the hand, but it doesn’t seem to make the smartphone any more stable. In a video from the YouTube channel JerryRigsEverything You can see how sensitive the titanium case is to scratches and other damage.

In flames

These initial reports remind us of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which could even catch fire while charging. The affair has left a deep mark on Samsung, because the manufacturer still doesn’t dare to bring a fast charger onto the market. Fortunately, such extreme cases do not yet occur with the iPhone 15.

Apple has to contend with another problem with its older models: radiation. France temporarily banned the iPhone 12 because it exposed users to higher doses of SAR radiation than standards allow, and there was also an investigation in Belgium. After a software update, this problem disappeared and Apple may also be able to solve the iPhone 15 temperature problems in this way.