Apple releases software update to resolve iPhone 15 overheating issue

Apple said on Wednesday it had released a software update to address an issue, which causes its latest iPhones to run warmer than expected.

The update to the iOS 17 software includes "important bug fixes, security updates, and addresses an issue that may cause the iPhone to run warmer than expected," an Apple spokesperson said.

After complaints that the new phones are getting very warm, Apple has said that the device may feel warmer in the first few days "after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity."

In an update outlining the security fixes within this patch, Apple identified two vulnerabilities that were fixed for both iOS and iPadOS. The first was a kernel exploit that could be exploited by an attacker with local access to the device, and Apple mentioned that it "may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS prior to iOS 16.6." The second fix pertained to a libvpx bug, which had previously raised concerns flagged by CISA, potentially allowing remote takeover of a device. This libvpx bug has also been recently patched in applications like Chrome and Firefox.

To obtain this update, you can check for the latest version from your device in Settings, and it is approximately a 400MB download from Apple.

The third-party apps causing the issue include game Asphalt 9; Meta's Instagram; and Uber, according to the company. Instagram already fixed the issue with its app on September 27.

The upcoming iOS 17 bug fix will not reduce performance to address the iPhone's temperature.

The Cupertino, California-headquartered company said that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max do not suffer from overheating due to the design, rather the new titanium shells result in improved heat dissipation compared to prior stainless steel models.

Apple also said the issue is not a safety or injury risk, and will not impact the phone's long-term performance.