As the UK swelters under a heatwave with temperatures hitting 36°C, Apple has issued advice on preventing iPhone damage. High heat can trigger built-in protection mechanisms, causing the device to slow down, dim the display, and disable the camera flash. Users may see a 'Charging on hold' alert until the phone cools.
What happens when your iPhone overheats?
According to Apple, iPhones operate best in ambient temperatures between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. Beyond this range, the device adjusts its behaviour to manage temperature and prevent permanent damage to electronics and battery. Apple states: 'Using an iOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life.'
Other effects include sluggish charging, darkened screen, reduced mobile/Wi-Fi connectivity, and diminished performance as the handset limits processing power. The camera flash is temporarily deactivated, graphics-intensive apps degrade, and navigation may show a 'Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down' warning before the display switches off. Spoken turn-by-turn directions remain available.
How to cool down your iPhone
Apple recommends: 'To resume use of your device as quickly as possible, turn it off, move it to a cooler environment, and allow it to cool down.' Additional steps include:
- Stop using it: Put the phone down and close all open applications.
- Remove the case: Take off heavy or thick protective cases to allow heat to dissipate.
- Move to a cooler area: Get the phone out of direct sunlight or a hot car.
- Power down: Turning off the phone entirely is the fastest way to stop internal heat generation.
Never put your iPhone in the refrigerator or freezer: Sudden temperature changes and condensation can cause irreversible water and component damage.
