Shortly after the current iPhone models 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max hit the market in September 2023, it was reported that the smartphones were generating too much heat. This happened while playing, but also when using common apps such as Uber or Instagram. Apple eventually acknowledged the problem and provided a solution with a software update – partly by collaborating with app developers. At the time there was no talk that there were hardware reasons behind the heat problem. However, Apple worries that this could happen again with the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. According to a report by IT news service The Information, the manufacturer has therefore made internal changes.
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SoCs will soon be put under even more pressure
In a report which is actually about plans for a foldable iPhone next year, it is also mentioned that Apple Worked on the chassis of the iPhone 16 Pro models It is now covered with a large layer of graphite material, which allows heat to be better dissipated. Last year it was said that Apple was planning innovation in heat management for the iPhone. The company wants to avoid reports like last year.
In fact, the SoCs built into the iPhone will have to face even more stress in the future. With Apple Intelligence, local large language models are executed and generative AI functions are introduced. Siri should become even smarter and, among other things, have access to what is visible on the screen. All this costs a lot of power, resulting in heat that has to be completely dissipated without a fan. With the iPhone 16, Apple is said to be planning to install the new A18 chip in all four models, including the standard versions. However, it is not clear whether heat dissipation is better in these. Until now, the iPhone has been oscillating back and forth between performance peaks and short wake-ups, including power-saving mode. A lot of performance is needed, especially when playing games – iOS 18 also comes with a new gaming mode.
Summer problems are quickly forgotten
Reports of heat problems with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max surfaced just days after they went on sale. The temperature outside also rose significantly. It is said that there were no direct failures, but the iPhones got so hot that users were reluctant to hold them.
While charging, they crossed the 41-degree mark, and during intensive use they sometimes reached 44 degrees and above. Apple used titanium blend as a housing material for the first time in its 15 Pro model. It is still unclear whether this had a negative impact on heat dissipation. At the time, experts assumed that this was the case.
(B.Sc.)
