Fixing iPhone 15 Pro Max Overheating After Software Update

If you’ve recently upgraded your iPhone 15 Pro Max and notice it warming up faster than usual, you’re not alone. Many users report elevated temperatures following the latest iOS update, especially when heavy‑use apps or background processes run immediately after the install. A warm device can be a symptom of software misbehaviour, battery wear, or even environmental factors. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving overheating problems, from quick‑fix tips to deeper troubleshooting steps.

Understanding Why Overheating Happens

The iPhone’s processor, camera, and battery work together to deliver a smooth user experience. When the system runs into conflicts—such as a newly introduced background task that never completes, or a firmware bug that spikes CPU usage—heat can build up. Additionally, external temperatures and case materials can trap heat.

Common Software Triggers

• Background App Refresh – After an update, iOS may re‑index data for several apps simultaneously.
• Location Services – New location‑based features can keep the GPS chip active for longer.
• Power‑Saving Settings – Some users enable “Optimized Battery Charging” which can cause the battery to stay in a high‑state for longer periods.
• Faulty Widgets – A misbehaving widget on the home screen can request data continuously.

Hardware‑Related Causes

• Damaged Battery Cells – A swollen or aged cell may produce excess heat during charging or discharging.
• Case Material – Thick silicone or plastic cases can block heat dissipation.
• Damaged Internal Components – Physical damage or manufacturing defects can cause short circuits.

Identifying Overheating Symptoms

Before diving into fixes, confirm that the device is indeed overheating rather than simply being warm from normal use.

Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now

1. Give the Phone a Break

When the iPhone reaches a high temperature, it will automatically throttle performance to protect its components. Let the device rest in a cool, shaded area for 10–15 minutes. This simple pause often brings temperatures back to normal.

2. Close Unnecessary Apps

Open the App Switcher and swipe away apps that are running in the background. Heavy‑resource applications such as gaming, video editing, or augmented‑reality apps can keep the processor active.

3. Disable Battery‑Heavy Features

• Turn off Background App Refresh – Settings → General → Background App Refresh.
• Disable Location Services temporarily – Settings → Privacy → Location Services.
• Switch to Low‑Power Mode – Settings → Battery → Low‑Power Mode.

4. Remove the Case

If you’re using a thick or poorly ventilated case, remove it. This allows heat to escape more easily.

5. Update Apps Individually

If you suspect a specific app is causing the issue, open the App Store and update it one at a time rather than letting all apps update simultaneously. After each update, check if the heating problem persists.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If basic fixes do not resolve the issue, try the following deeper diagnostics.

• Check Battery Health

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
2. Look at the “Maximum Capacity” value. If it is below 80 %, the battery may need replacement.
3. Observe the “Peak Performance Capability.” A red warning indicates the device is preventing performance to protect the battery.

If the battery health is compromised, schedule a battery replacement through Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

• Inspect Settings for Power‑Intensive Services

Some newly introduced features in the iOS update can consume significant resources:

• Dynamic Island – When active, it keeps parts of the display constantly lit.
• Motion Sensors – Apps that track step count or orientation can run background processes.

Disable or restrict these services in Settings if you suspect they contribute to overheating.

• Reset Network Settings

A misconfigured network can cause the device to repeatedly attempt to connect to unavailable networks, driving up CPU usage.

1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
2. Re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords afterward.

• Reinstall the iOS Update

Occasionally, an incomplete or corrupted update can trigger bugs that cause heat spikes.

1. Backup the phone via iCloud or iTunes.
2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Restore from backup during the setup process, and allow the phone to download the latest iOS again.

Battery‑Health‑Focused Checklist

A degraded battery can cause overheating during both charging and discharging cycles. Use the following checklist to assess battery condition:

• Is the device still within warranty or AppleCare+ coverage?
• Does the battery show a sudden drop in capacity after a few days of normal use?
• Are there visible signs of swelling or a bulging back cover?

If any of these points are true, it is best to replace the battery rather than continue using the phone.

Environmental and Physical Factors

Even a perfectly healthy phone can overheat if it’s placed in a hot environment or covered by an insulating case.

1. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

Avoid leaving the phone in a car seat or on a hot desk. Use a shaded area and consider using a UV‑blocking screen protector.

2. Don’t Use a Thick Case While Charging

Charging generates heat; a thick case can trap this heat, leading to higher temperatures.

3. Check Air‑Circulation Near the Device

If you use the phone on a laptop or a desk that has low ventilation, heat may accumulate. Position the phone on a hard surface that allows airflow.

Software‑Side Solutions

Some overheating problems are triggered by software bugs that Apple may fix in future patches. Here’s what you can do in the meantime.

• Enable “Reduce Motion” and “Reduce Transparency”

These accessibility features cut down on visual effects that can tax the GPU.

1. Settings → Accessibility → Motion → Reduce Motion.
2. Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Reduce Transparency.

• Disable Visual Effects

In Settings → General → Accessibility → Reduce Motion, toggle off “Parallax.”

• Turn Off “Optimized Battery Charging”

While useful for battery longevity, this feature can keep the battery at higher temperatures during the night. Disable it temporarily if overheating persists.

• Use a Battery‑Monitoring App

Apps like “Battery Life” or “iMazing” can provide real‑time temperature data. While Apple does not expose temperature sensors to the public, third‑party utilities may use estimated values based on battery charge cycles.

Hardware Inspection and When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve followed all software fixes and still experience frequent overheating, consider a hardware inspection:

• Look for Physical Damage – Cracks, dents, or loose components can indicate internal issues.
• Check the Charging Port – A clogged port can cause power inefficiencies.
• Inspect the Battery – If you can’t see it, seek professional diagnostic tools.

When to Contact Apple Support

• The device shows a “Battery Temperature” error on the screen.
• The battery’s maximum capacity is below 70 %.
• The device emits a burning or metallic odor.
• The phone continues to overheat after a complete factory reset.

Apple’s repair network can evaluate battery health and replace defective components. If your device is still under warranty, repairs are often free.

Prevention Tips for the Long Term

• Regularly Update Software

Even though updates can initially cause overheating, they also patch bugs that might cause persistent heat issues.

• Manage Background Processes

Periodically review which apps can refresh in the background. Disabling unnecessary apps reduces CPU load.

• Use the Original Charger

Non‑Apple chargers with lower quality may cause the phone to heat during charging. Stick to Apple‑approved chargers.

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid leaving the phone in a backpack or purse for extended periods in hot environments.

• Keep the Software Clean

Uninstall unused apps and clear app caches when possible to reduce background activity.

Final Thoughts

Overheating after a software update can be frustrating, but most causes are fixable with a few targeted actions. Start with the simplest remedies—giving the phone a rest, closing apps, and removing heavy cases—then move on to more advanced checks like battery health and network settings. If you’ve exhausted these steps and the phone still behaves hot, it’s time to reach out to Apple or an authorized repair center. Remember, a warm device is a normal part of a smartphone’s life cycle, but persistent heat is a red flag that warrants attention.

By staying proactive, monitoring battery health, and keeping your device’s software up to date, you can enjoy the full performance of your iPhone 15 Pro Max without the discomfort of an overheated phone.