In a recent development, Apple is attributing overheating issues in its newly released iPhone 15 models to a software bug and related problems with popular apps like Instagram and Uber. Reports of these devices becoming uncomfortably hot have prompted complaints from users.
Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, announced on Saturday that it is actively working on an update for its iOS 17 system, which powers the iPhone 15 lineup. The purpose of this update is to prevent the devices from heating up excessively, and the company is also collaborating with app developers to address issues causing these devices to overload.
One notable example is Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, which recently modified its social media app to mitigate the overheating problem on the latest iPhone operating system. However, other apps like Uber and the video game Asphalt 9 are still in the process of rolling out their updates.
While Apple did not specify a precise timeline for the release of its software fix, it assured iPhone 15 owners that there are no safety concerns preventing them from using their devices while awaiting the update. In a brief statement provided to The Associated Press, Apple acknowledged the problem, stating, “We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected.”
It’s worth noting that it’s not uncommon for new iPhones to generate some heat during initial use or when restoring data from cloud backups, issues that Apple already alerts users about. Additionally, high processing power activities such as playing video games or using augmented reality can also cause devices to become warm. However, the heating issues with the iPhone 15 models appear to be more pronounced and widespread.
Apple emphasized that the overheating problem is not related to the sleek titanium casing used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which replaced the stainless steel used in older models. Furthermore, the company dismissed speculation that the issue might be linked to the transition from its proprietary Lightning charging cable to the more widely used USB-C port, a change made to comply with European regulations.
While Apple expressed confidence that the overheating issue can be swiftly resolved with forthcoming software updates, it could potentially impact sales of its flagship product. This comes at a challenging time for the company, as it has experienced three consecutive quarters of year-over-year declines in overall sales, including a 4% decline in iPhone sales over the past nine months compared to the previous year.
In an effort to boost sales, Apple has increased the starting price of its top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max to $1,200, a $100 (9%) increase from the previous year’s model. The company is currently facing concerns from investors due to this unusual sales decline, with over $300 billion in shareholder wealth wiped out since Apple’s market value surpassed $3 trillion in late June.
