Apple has acknowledged the complaints from users about the recent iPhone 15 models overheating due to a combination of software bugs and specific apps such as Instagram and Uber. The Cupertino-based company announced on Saturday that they are actively working on an update to the iOS17 system that powers the iPhone 15 lineup. This update aims to prevent the devices from reaching uncomfortably high temperatures and is also in collaboration with app developers to address issues causing system overloads.
Instagram, which is owned by Meta Platforms, has already made adjustments to its social media app to prevent it from causing overheating on the latest iPhone operating system. However, 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 timeline for when the software fix would be issued, they assured iPhone 15 owners that there are no safety concerns associated with using their devices while awaiting the update. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Apple stated, “We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected.”
The overheating concerns with the iPhone 15 models have extended beyond the typical situations that can cause phones to heat up, such as initial setup or resource-intensive applications like video games and augmented reality technology. Apple emphasized that the issue is not related to the materials used in the device’s casing, as the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max use titanium instead of stainless steel, which was used in older models.
Apple also addressed speculations that the overheating problem might be linked to the shift from its proprietary Lightning charging cable to the more commonly used USB-C port, which was implemented to comply with European regulations.
While Apple expressed confidence that the overheating problem can be swiftly resolved through upcoming software updates, the issue could potentially impact the sales of its flagship product. This comes at a time when Apple has faced three consecutive quarters of year-over-year declines in overall sales, including a 4% decrease in iPhone sales over the past nine months compared to the previous year.
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In an attempt to boost sales, Apple raised the starting price of its top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max to $1,200, representing a $100 (9%) increase compared to last year’s model. Investor concerns regarding Apple’s unusual sales decline have led to a decrease in shareholder wealth, with over $300 billion wiped out since the company reached a market value of $3 trillion in late June.