Apple plans to issue a software update to fix the iPhone 15 overheating complaints; blames iOS 17 “bugs”

Apple is preparing to issue a software update to address the overheating problems in its iPhone 15 after a series of complaints from users. In a statement on Saturday, the tech giant announced its plans to roll out a new iOS 17 update to resolve  “a few conditions” it has “identified” which led to higher-than-anticipated temperatures in the new iPhone 15 models featuring a titanium casing.

Apple also confirmed that the overheating problem in its iPhone 15 models to software bugs rather than hardware problems. The tech giant also added that the new iPhone 15 models were running hot because of a combination of bugs in the iOS 17 operating system, bugs in apps, and an initial setup phase that requires extra processing, resulting in increased heat generation.

Apple said that most of the complaints revolve around the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The tech giant also shared with various media outlets, including CNBC and CNet, that it’s actively developing a new iOS 17 system to address the overheating concerns that arise when certain apps are running on the phone. In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said:

“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. 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,”

It all started two weeks ago after Apple unveiled its new iPhone 15 Pro with a titanium case and USB-C charging. But it didn’t take long before a growing wave of user grievances about overheating issues, with some reporting temperatures exceeding 120 degrees.

“I bought the new iPhone 15 pro, upgraded from the 14 pro, and I wish I hadn’t. My iPhone 15 pro is overheating & feels slower than my old phone somehow, and there is no noticeable difference in the camera output. Don’t upgrade!” iPhone user warned.

The overheating problem is causing the phones to become too hot to handle and even shut down unexpectedly. Depending on the root cause, Apple’s solution may necessitate performance reductions.

My iPhone 15 Pro Max has major overheating issues after a few mins of use

Things are not looking good so far… pic.twitter.com/aGNYGOK3Kg

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) September 24, 2023

For Apple, which relies on iPhone sales for about half of its revenue, this development is far from favorable. The company’s shares had already experienced a 6.6% decline over the past month, compared to a 3.18% loss in the broader computer and tech sector, as reported by Zack’s.

The complaints primarily revolve around Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, which were released for regular retail sales on September 22, following pre-orders that began on September 15. These high-end devices come with price tags starting at $999 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, with the most expensive variant reaching $1,599.

Apple had already encountered a 2.4% decline in iPhone sales for the quarter ending on July 1, and the escalating concerns regarding overheating pose a significant challenge to the company’s efforts to reverse this trend, particularly in a smartphone market already showing signs of weakness. Publicity damage amplifies the issue, exemplified by comments from a prominent Apple-focused account with 740,000 followers.