iPhone 15 users who have noticed their devices overheating may want to spend more of their time touching grass rather than scrolling through Spider-Man memes and celebrity pregnancies all day. According to a few Apple spokespersons, who reached out to Bloomberg (alternate link), Forbes, and other publications over the weekend, iPhone 15 models may, in fact, suffer from overheating issues, but the problem has nothing to do with the hardware or the way they’re designed—the real problem lies with apps and software, such as Instagram and Uber, both of which are apparently not playing well and have already prompted their developers to work on new updates. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s new flagship smartphone with USB-C, is now available from $1,199.
“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected,” Apple told Forbes. “The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity.”
“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.”
Apple said it is working with developers behind the apps causing the iPhone to overheat and that fixes are in the process of being released. Some users have identified apps like those from Instagram from Meta Platforms Inc. and that from Uber Technologies Inc. as being problematic.
…For example, Instagram, Uber and Asphalt 9 can all cause the iPhone to get hot and Apple is working with the app developers to address this, and investigating to see if other apps are causing this. I’m told that Instagram introduced a fix with its update on September 27, so it’s good to check your iPhone has the latest version (which is version 302).