Highlights
- User reports iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating, causing physical damage.
- Overheating led to a melted charging cable and burn marks on the phone.
- Incident raises concerns about using non-certified charging accessories.
- Apple advises against using cheap, non-MFi certified USB-C cables.
A recent post on Reddit by a user named NoisilyMarvellous has highlighted a concerning issue with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
According to the post, the user’s phone overheated to such an extent during an overnight charge that it caused physical damage.
The intense heat not only burned the user’s finger but also melted the plastic of the charging cable.
This resulted in the metal part of the USB-C port fusing with the phone, along with visible burn marks on the device’s body.
Naturally, the person was unsure about the cause of this problem, questioned whether the phone, charging cable, or plug was at fault.
They also sought advice on how to remove the stuck cable and inquired about Apple’s policy on fixing such issues, noting the absence of AppleCare for the device.
Importance of Using Certified Charging Accessories
This incident shows the critical importance of using certified charging accessories with Apple products.
Apple consistently recommends utilizing either its own charging cables or those certified by MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) due to their adherence to higher safety standards.
The switch from Apple’s proprietary Lightning charger to USB-C in the iPhone 15 series has led some users to use non-certified, cheaper USB-C cables available at home from other devices.
However, as this incident illustrates, such choices can pose significant risks.
While Apple includes a durable, braided cable with the iPhone 15 series, users often need additional cables for different charging locations.
The temptation to use lower-quality cables should be avoided to prevent safety hazards.
In this particular case, the affected iPhone 15 Pro Max might still be operational and chargeable via a MagSafe wireless charger.
However, the safety of the device is questionable, especially with the damaged cable’s remnants possibly fused to internal components.
Before attempting any self-remedies, it is highly advised for the owner to visit the nearest Apple Store or an Apple-certified repair center for professional assessment and repair.
This approach not only ensures safety but also potentially prevents further damage to the device.
APPLE IPHONE 15 PRO MAX SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Battery | 4400 mAh |
| Display | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | August 16, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | iOS v15 |
Performance
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic |
| CPU | Hexa Core (3.23 GHz, Dual core, Avalanche + 1.82 GHz, Quad core, Blizzard) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 5 nm |
| Graphics | Apple GPU (four-core graphics) |
| RAM | 6 GB |
Display
| Display Type | OLED |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 |
| Pixel Density | 457 ppi |
| Screen Protection | Yes |
| Bezel-less display | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Design
| Waterproof | Yes, Water resistant, IP68 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/1.6, Wide Angle, Primary Camera 12 MP , Telephoto Camera 12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/2.3, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 4400 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
| USB Type-C | No |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
Multimedia
| FM Radio | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | Lightning |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | No |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
What happened to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the recent overheating incident?
A Reddit user reported that their iPhone 15 Pro Max overheated while charging overnight, resulting in a melted charging cable, burn marks on the device, and a burn injury to the user’s finger.
The phone’s USB-C port also got fused with the metal part of the charging cable.
Is it safe to use non-certified charging cables with the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The incident underscores the risks associated with using non-certified charging cables.
Apple recommends using either its own cables or MFi-certified cables to ensure safety and prevent damage, as cheaper, uncertified cables can lead to hazards like overheating.
Can the iPhone 15 Pro Max still be used after such an overheating incident?
While the device might still function and could potentially be charged using a MagSafe wireless charger, the safety of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is questionable after such severe overheating.
Professional assessment and repair at an Apple-certified center are strongly advised.
What should owners of the iPhone 15 Pro Max do if they encounter similar issues?
In case of overheating or any damage caused by charging, iPhone 15 Pro Max owners should immediately visit an Apple Store or a certified repair center.
Attempting to remove a fused charging cable or self-repair can be dangerous and might cause further damage.
Which iPhone model tops Ookla’s 5G speed rankings in the U.S.?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently the fastest 5G phone in the U.S., boasting a median downlink speed of 285.02 Mbps, as per Ookla’s rankings.
How do older iPhone models compare in 5G performance?
Older iPhone models like the 14 Pro Max still show strong 5G performance, with a median downlink speed of 220.5 Mbps, indicating Apple’s commitment to quality across generations.
Are iPhones leading 5G speeds in other countries as well?
Yes, iPhones are leading 5G speeds globally, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and other models achieving high downlink speeds in countries like Australia, Brazil, and the U.A.E.
What does Apple’s partnership with Qualcomm mean for future iPhones?
Apple’s partnership with Qualcomm means that future iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 Pro and beyond, will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon 5G modem chips, ensuring continued high-speed connectivity.
What was Apple’s immediate response to the iPhone 15 overheating issue?
Apple quickly released a software update, iOS 17.0.3, to address the overheating issues reported in the iPhone 15 series.
This update focused on fixing software bugs and optimizing app functionalities to reduce heat generation.
How is Apple planning to prevent overheating in the iPhone 16?
For the iPhone 16, Apple is reportedly developing a new graphene-based thermal management system.
This system is expected to be more efficient in heat dissipation compared to the copper heat sink used in the iPhone 15.
What additional hardware change is expected in the iPhone 16 for better cooling?
Alongside the new thermal system, the iPhone 16 is rumoured to include a metal bracket around the battery.
This design is anticipated to aid in more effective heat dissipation, particularly for the device’s chip and battery.
Also Read: Apple Addresses iPhone 15 Overheating with Software Update, Plans Hardware Revamp for iPhone 16
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Also Read: UK Customer Receives Android Impersonating iPhone 15 Pro Max in Online Order
Also Read: iPhone 15 Pro Max Leads Ookla’s Fastest 5G Phone Rankings Globally