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Overheating iPhone 15 Pro: Start of 'thermalgate'?

Overheating iPhone 15 Pro: Start of 'thermalgate'?

Compromises made in new phone’s design might be to blame.

Leander Kahney
September 26, 2023

There have been widespread reports of the new iPhone 15 Pros overheating, which could spell trouble for Apple down the line.

The reason for the toasty phones may not be the A17 chip’s 3nm process, as many suspect, but the design of the iPhone’s thermal dissipation system, which Apple overhauled to save weight.

If overheating iPhones turn into a bigger problem — and it is the fault of the thermal system — this may become the iPhone 17’s “thermalgate.”

That’s because the A17 can be tweaked in a future software update, but the thermal system is baked into the hardware and can’t be changed.

We’ll see how this develops.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Legislation from the European Union is already having a profound impact on Apple’s products and platforms. Now the EU is calling on Apple to go all the way and open up everything.
If you’re planning to upgrade to macOS Sonoma today, here’s how to get it and what to check out first. And here’s our master list of the 36 best features to try out after you update.
The iPhone 15 has been out less than a week, but here’s an early iPhone 16 rumor — it might get yet another button!
The easiest and most foolproof way to remove online personal data is through a data removal service like Surfshark’s Incogni.
The iPhone 15 Pros are gaming powerhouses. We review the kind of controller you might want to use to get the most out of mobile gaming.
Today’s the day in Apple history that the company reported a rare quarterly loss just after Steve Jobs returned. It was a dangerous black eye for the company, but things were about to change dramatically.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

iPhone 15 Pro overheating may arise from Apple 'compromises'

The A17 Pro chip's 3nm manufacturing process may not cause iPhone 15 Pro overheating. It could be shortcuts taken with the thermal system.

macOS Sonoma is out -- here’s how to install it on your Mac

macOS Sonoma arrives with Game Mode, interactive desktop widgets, video screensavers and more. Here's how to get it and what to try first.

The 36 best macOS Sonoma features you should try after you update

macOS Sonoma may not have the same buzz as iOS, but there are loads of new features this year to try out on your Mac.

^{A message from}^Surfshark

Here's a great way to get your personal information off the internet

With data breaches and identity theft on the rise, now's the time to use Incogni to remove your sensitive personal data from the internet (and keep it offline).

iPhone 16 could feature a new capacitive Capture Button

The 2024 lineup could bring a force-sensitive button, located below the Side button. The exact purpose remains unclear.

EU industry chief calls on Apple to open ecosystem to competitors

The EU's chief of industry meets with Tim Cook, then tells the press that Apple should open up everything to rivals' prying eyes.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Get the best price online for a lifetime of TV made just for your dog

Keep your dog entertained and calm with DogTV's specially crafted videos. Get a lifetime subscription to DogTV for one low price.

Don't miss this Apple accessories blowout sale, up to 91% off

Woot's big blowout sale on 40 Apple accessories ends soon, so act fast to score deals.

How to block unsolicited dick pics in iMessage in iOS 17

Censoring NSFW pictures can give you an extra line of defense against unwanted, creepy texts from people you barely know. This feature puts suspected nude images behind a blurred gray background.

Portable new iPhone game controller is ready to play wherever you go [Review] ★★★★½

Clip the Turtle Beach Atom Controller on an iPhone to add the physical buttons and sticks that you want for high-end gaming, wherever you go.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs reports Apple's $161 million loss

On September 26, 1997, Apple recorded losses of $161 million for the previous quarter. Things were about to look up, though.

Tweetz o’ the day

The final straw for me was realizing that a lot of USB-C cables are too wide fit inside the iPhone 15’s FineWoven case.
Did Apple not think any of this through?
— Chance Miller (@ChanceHMiller)
12:32 AM • Sep 26, 2023

Fun fact: The iPhone 15 Pro is now a gaming console! Step aside, Nintendo.
Here’s my setup which includes pass-through charging, power to the Razer MagSafe cooler to stop overheating, and HDMI to my 150” 4K projector.. all through one adapter!
Full list of components below 👇
— Vadim Yuryev (@VadimYuryev)
7:42 AM • Sep 26, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

I was kind of bored [at school] for the first few years, so I occupied myself by getting into trouble.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Has your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max overheated?

Results from yesterday’s poll: How do you like your new iPhone 15?

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