Some of the initial owners of Apple Inc.’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have raised concerns about the devices becoming excessively hot during usage or while charging. This has led to discussions across various Apple online forums, as well as social media platforms like Reddit and X.

Users have reported instances where the back or sides of the iPhone 15 become uncomfortably warm, particularly during gaming, phone calls, or FaceTime video chats. Notably, some individuals have experienced heightened heating issues when the device is connected for charging.

Complaints have also reached Apple’s technical support team, who have referred customers to an older support article providing guidance on managing an iPhone that exhibits unusual temperature levels. According to the notice, overheating can occur when using resource-intensive applications, during the charging process, or when setting up a new device.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, has not responded to requests for comments on the matter. Given that the iPhone contributes significantly to the company’s revenue, any issues with its flagship product are closely scrutinized.

It’s worth noting that modern devices, powered by high-performance processors, often generate some heat. However, the key question here is whether the reported heat levels exceed what users consider acceptable.

The overheating issue could be related to the iPhone setup process, which can be processor-intensive when users transfer apps, data, and photos from iCloud to a new device. Some users speculate that certain background apps, such as Instagram or Uber, might exacerbate the problem.

Several users have posted videos measuring the phone’s temperature with a thermometer. One user mentioned, ‘iPhone 15 Pro Max gets really hot easily, even while just browsing social media.’ Another described the device as getting hot enough to be felt through a protective case.

However, it’s important to note that not all iPhone 15 Pro owners have reported the issue. Some claim their devices are operating within expected temperature ranges, while others have found that using a protective case helps mitigate the heat.

One user recounted an incident where the iPhone 15 Pro Max overheated during a call, prompting an automatic shutdown. The device took a few minutes to reboot, a safety feature common in smartphones to prevent damage from overheating or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models feature a new A17 chip with an enhanced graphics engine, designed to improve gaming performance. This hardware component could potentially contribute to increased heat generation. Additionally, the latest iPhone models incorporate a titanium frame, a departure from the stainless-steel design used in previous iterations.

These overheating concerns follow earlier complaints from customers regarding the FineWoven material used in the iPhone 15 cases. Users reported that this fabric, which replaces leather as part of Apple’s environmental initiatives, is prone to scratching and easier to soil.