Podcast app overheating iPhone 14 Pro Max since iOS 16.4.1

I try to remain native to Apple apps when I can - but I finally gave up on Apple Podcasts. It is just a terrible app in terms of energy drain. Every other podcast app is massively better and I can’t figure out why Apple hasn’t fixed it. I have had the same issue since the iPhone 12 lineup and am on a 14 Pro and it is the same. Just had to get rid of the app.

Turning off auto download didn't work for me when looking before. But what did work for me is unfollowing old pods which were no longer available. There wasn't an image but a grey apple podcast logo and it said there were no episodes. Most notable is the JRE after moving to Spotify. JRE was a huge podcast so I imagine this could be a reason so many are experiencing this problem.

After unfollowing inactive shows, i closed the app and hey presto. No more overheating and battery drain. I think there must be some kind of sync bug.

Hope this helps!

I have used them and never faced any heating issues with default iOS apps (including the Podcast app).

I am not aware of the ambient temperature in which you are using the iPhone. However --> Keeping iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch within acceptable ...

Store the device where the temperature is between -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F). Don’t leave the device in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.

Use iOS devices where the ambient temperature is between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F). Low- or high-temperature conditions might cause the device to change its behavior to regulate its temperature. Using an iOS device in very cold conditions outside of its operating range might temporarily shorten battery life and could cause the device to turn off. Battery life will return to normal when you bring the device back to higher ambient temperatures. Using an iOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life.

I have the same issue. IPhone 12 Pro. Stops charging due to overheating but ONLY when listening to a podcast. Doesn’t do this while using google maps for navigation, listening to music, watching YouTube, etc. Only while listening to a podcast.

Agree, I have had mine since it came out and it absolutely only does this with Apple podcast. Downloaded again now, because it has been my go to since 2009 for podcasts, so far this is the only time it started heating up and now has cooled back down. I’m afraid to even have it installed, as just having it on my phone would cause random severe overheating at anytime, even if it was not playing. So trying it out again as some casts are available no where else. Hoping this bug is actually fixed.

As soon as I start using the Apple podcast app (with earbuds) my phone starts getting really hot and using 1% of power per minute. I have to turn off my phone for a couple minutes then turn it back on and usually that stops it. It’s pretty ridiculous.

Oh, and just encase others are coming across this post, I have a 13 mini 16.6. So seems to work for different models and iOS versions :)