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July 2, 2009

Apple admits iPhone 3GS heat problems

How to keep your iPhone cool

Lexton Snol

Apple has posted a special iPhone 3GS and 3G temperature warning on its official support pages.

The Apple iPhone support page, "Keeping iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS within acceptable operating temperatures", states:

"Operate iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in a place where the temperature is between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F).

"Low- or high-temperature conditions might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to temporarily stop working properly.

"Store iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in a place where the temperature is between -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F).

iPhone 3GS temperature warning

"Don't leave the device in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.
If the interior temperature of the device exceeds normal operating temperatures, you may experience the following as it attempts to regulate its temperature:

The device stops charging
Display dims
Weak cellular signal
Temperature warning screen appears with the message "iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it" (see image above)"

Reports started last appearing last week that the new iPhone 3GS could be suffering from over-heating problems - although one respondent was keeping his iPhone under his pillow when he slept.

Apple's support document gives some credence to these reports, although whether it's an iPhone problem or general smartphone/portable device issue remains to be seen.

Is iPhone 3GS really too hot to handle?

iPhone 3GS review

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Comments received

nicacolo said on Saturday, 04 July 2009

Apple is suggesting that the overheating problem is due to leaving the device in a parked car? and/or, having the device in direct sunlight? I have had my 3g since dec 08, i'm rarely in the sun and i don't own a vehicle. Yet, still, my iphone device runs really hot sometimes. I've noticed it more and more after the 3.0 update. Usually i turn off my phone and let it cool off, but that is really bothersome and Apple should really come up with a better explanation other than direct sunlight, and parked cars! I live and work indoors and if i am out in the sun my device is either in my pocket or left at home, so can someone explain why it really gets so hot? thanks much!
ps
will Apple stores replace, no charge to user, my iphone if this problem ultimately ruins my device?

j bigd said on Monday, 06 July 2009

my 3gs has not had a heat problem even in an ifrogz case. of course i do not heat it on a grill b4 use. if too hot 2 touch, too hot to use.

burf said on Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Apple = More quantity less quality

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