iPhone 16 Pro Max Overheating Issues: 8 Easy Fixes

What Causes iPhone 16 Pro Max Overheating and How to Fix It

Written by: Franzria Ferriols

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Time to read 7 min

It’s been almost a month since the launch of the iPhone 16 series, and we’ve heard mixed opinions about the new lineup. People were mostly happy about the new features such as the Apple Intelligence, camera control button, battery upgrades, improved cameras, design changes, and more.


Apple retained its traditional lineup of iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Pro Max variant was the most advanced and expensive among the newest iPhones, yet many reported an issue— overheating.


In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max overheating issues and offer some quick tips on how to fix it.

Why Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max Overheating?

iPhone 16 pro max overheating while used by man

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has faced some overheating issues, which can stem from a variety of factors:


  • A18 Pro Chip: One major reason is the powerful A18 Pro chip, designed for high-performance tasks like gaming and video editing. While this chip boosts performance, it also generates more heat during heavy use, especially when handling graphically intensive apps.

  • Battery Size and Faster Charging: Another contributor is the increased battery size and faster charging technology, which can result in more heat production during fast charging or prolonged use.


  • Software Update: Moreover, software optimization has also been a challenge, as even slight inefficiencies in iOS 18 can cause the device to work harder than intended, leading to excessive heat . These combined factors explain why some users experience noticeable warmth and even reduced battery life.


  • Hardware Issues: Though the iPhone 16 series includes improved cooling technology like a graphene heat sink, faulty components such as bad batteries can heat your phone up. This rarely happens, but it’s still a factor.


  • Direct Heat: Environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperatures, can easily cause the iPhone to heat up. Using your phone in direct sunlight, leaving it in a hot car, or charging it in warm surroundings can exacerbate the problem.


Furthermore, thick cases or covers can trap heat, restricting airflow and making it harder for the phone to cool down effectively during regular use or charging. For users experiencing overheating, removing the case, particularly while charging, is a simple way to reduce heat buildup.


A more convenient option is to use an ultra-slim iPhone 16 Pro Max case with MagSafe. Thinborne’s aramid fiber material helps dissipate heat as it allows some airflow, MagSafe charging or not.


Now that we have identified the potential cause of the iPhone 16 Pro Max overheating, we can explore some simple solutions that you can perform on your own.

How to Cool Down the iPhone 16 Pro Max Overheating

Overheating can affect performance, battery life, and overall user experience, but you can try some simple fixes. Here’s a straightforward guide to help keep your iPhone cool and functioning smoothly.

1. Close Background Apps

Even if you’re not using certain apps, they could still be running in the background, causing your iPhone to work harder and heat up. To prevent this:


  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

  • Close apps you’re not using by swiping them off the screen.


This simple action can significantly reduce your phone’s workload and help cool things down.

2. Turn Off Unnecessary Features

Features like Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi can add to your phone’s heat when left on unnecessarily. Disable them when you’re not using them:


  • Swipe down to access the Control Center.

  • Tap on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS to turn them off when not needed.


Turning off these services can reduce the strain on your iPhone, helping to prevent overheating.

3. Reduce Screen Brightness

High screen brightness is a common culprit for heating issues. Reducing brightness not only cools your device but also conserves battery. Here’s how:


  • Swipe down to open the Control Center.

  • Adjust the brightness slider to a lower, comfortable level.


Alternatively, you can enable Auto-Brightness under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size to automatically adjust based on lighting conditions.

4. Update to the Latest iOS

Apple regularly releases software updates that include bug fixes, including ones addressing overheating issues. Ensure your iPhone 16 Pro Max is up to date by going to:


  • Settings > General > Software Update

  • Download and install any available updates.


If a software glitch causes overheating, an update might resolve the problem.

Pro Tip: Some users reported overheating problems after updating iOS 18. This is inevitable, but the iOS 18.1 beta should fix the issue. One way or another, you'll have to download the latest software to enjoy the fullest Apple experience.

5. Remove the Case While Charging or Use a Slim Case

Your phone generates heat while charging, and using a case—especially thick ones—can trap that heat. Try removing the case if you notice your phone getting too warm during charging.


If you prefer to keep the case on, especially when MagSafe charging, opt for a thin case with a slightly open design. This allows better air circulation and helps keep the device cool.

iphone 16 pro max case Thinborne Magsafe charging

6. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Hot Environments

Using your iPhone in direct sunlight or leaving it in a hot car can quickly cause it to overheat. Avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures, and try to use it in a cool, shaded environment.

7. Use Low Power Mode

If you’re multitasking or using power-intensive apps, your iPhone might heat up. You can reduce its workload by enabling Low Power Mode:


  • Go to Settings > Battery.

  • Toggle on Low Power Mode.


This setting limits background activity and reduces performance slightly to keep your phone cool and preserve battery life.

8. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, a simple restart is all your iPhone needs to reset its systems and cool down. Restarting can close any background processes that might be causing your phone to overheat. To restart:


  • Hold down the Side Button and either volume button until the power off slider appears.

  • Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, and then turn your phone back on.

Additional Tips

Several solutions can address the iPhone 16 Pro Max overheating issues, including using MagSafe-compatible accessories designed to help with heat dissipation.


Slim MagSafe Cases for Heat Management


One effective solution is switching to a slim, third-party MagSafe case. Some users have reported that their iPhones overheat when using bulkier cases, including Apple’s official cases. A lighter, ultra-thin case like Thinborne’s can help improve airflow, preventing excessive heat buildup.


MagSafe Chargers with Cooling Tech


For those who experience overheating while charging, there are iPhone chargers in the market that integrate cooling fans into MagSafe chargers, helping to dissipate heat while charging. This technology is particularly useful for maintaining performance and prolonging battery health, especially during fast charging.

📚 Further Readings:

Top iPhone 16 MagSafe Accessories

▶️ Helpful Tip: If you're experiencing a huge dip in battery life or performance after a software update, follow some tips on this video: 

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 16 Pro Max overheating issues can let down our expectations of this elite smartphone, but they’re usually manageable with the right approach. If none of these fixes work, or if your phone continues to overheat frequently, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider to check for potential hardware issues.

🔑 Summary

Overheating in iPhones can be caused by the A18 Pro chip, battery size, fast charging, or environmental factors.


Simple fixes include closing apps, reducing screen brightness, updating iOS, and using Low Power Mode.

Using a slim MagSafe case and avoiding direct sunlight can also help manage heat effectively.

Remove the case while charging to allow better air circulation and cool down your phone, especially thick or rugged ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can overheating damage my iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Yes, prolonged overheating can damage the internal components and reduce the battery lifespan. If your iPhone frequently overheats, it’s best to take precautions and avoid using it in hot environments.

Does using wireless charging cause my iPhone to overheat?

Wireless charging can generate heat, especially if your phone is placed in a case that doesn’t allow for sufficient airflow. Using a charger with integrated cooling technology or using a slim MagSafe case can reduce heat buildup.

Will turning on Airplane Mode help with overheating?

Yes, turning on Airplane Mode disables several heat-generating features like cellular data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which can cool down your iPhone when it’s under heavy use.

Should I stop using my iPhone while charging to prevent overheating?

Using your phone while charging, particularly for resource-heavy tasks like gaming, can increase the risk of overheating. It’s best to limit usage while charging or use cooling accessories to help mitigate heat.

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Franzria F.

Content Writer of Thinborne - The super thin phone case made of aramid fiber.


"I write anything tech and help businesses reach their target audience with a messaging that best fits the reader's needs. I can obsess over grammar and bite-sized, readable sentences because I care about people more than search engines. When I'm not writing, I am just in charge of finding coffee shops.☕️"

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