Are there any active cooling solutions other than cases with fans for keeping iPads cool on a day long flight in an un-airconditioned cockpit? These are patrol planes flying at low altitude and in the summer months, the ambient temperature can easily exceed 100 degrees or more. Blowing warm air over the iPad does little to cool the device.
Thanks,
E.E.
You have already identified the available external cooling solutions that are often employed in high-temperature environments.
Unfortunately, cockpits tend to have both high temperatures and high ambient light levels. The iPad will respond to ambient lighting by increasing the screen brightness to its maximum - causing more even more heat to be internally generated. Ultimately, the iPad thermal management may intervene to reduce temperature - by dimming the screen, throttling the CPU, or even shutting down to prevent damage.
While useful, an iPad was simply not designed to operate for extended periods in such a hostile operating environment. The iPad’s ambient operating temperature range is quoted as 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F), noting that using an iOS or iPadOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life. Store temperatures are similarly quoted as -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F).
If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch gets too hot or too cold - Apple Support
Overheating of iPads in un-airconditioned cockpits
