Level 1

66 points

New iPhone 17e overheating during normal usage and charging

Hello,

I recently purchased an iPhone 17e today, and I am experiencing noticeable overheating issues.

During normal usage (such as browsing or setting up the device), the phone becomes warm very quickly. The temperature increase is easy to notice and feels abnormal.

When charging, the device heats up significantly within a short time and becomes quite hot to the touch.

This is not just a subjective impression, as I am comparing it directly with my iPhone 13. Even though my iPhone 13 has an older battery and can get warm, the iPhone 17e consistently becomes hotter under the same or lighter usage conditions.

I am quite disappointed, as I purchased this device to replace my iPhone 13 and expected better thermal performance from a new model.

Since this is a brand-new device, I would like to know whether this behavior is expected or if it could indicate a hardware or software issue.

Thanks.

iPhone 17e, iOS 26

Posted on Apr 11, 2026 3:50 AM

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2026

Level 10

242,710 points

Posted on May 27, 2026 8:50 AM

Let’s define “overheating”, which is always a hardware problem. If a device overheats it shuts down so it can’t be used, and displays a message saying it must cool down before it can be turned on, and it will probably be unusable for an hour or so. If you are seeing this it is a hardware problem and you should contact Apple support:

Click on “Support” at the top of this page
Go to Contact Official Apple Support

Note that both of the above have options to receive a callback or chat

If you are not seeing this your iPhone or iPad has not overheated. However, if you fast charge your device it may get very warm, and may pause charging at 80% and display a message saying that charging has paused, and will resume when the phone cools down. This is NOT overheating, and is normal when fast charging. It also won’t prevent you from using any app you have on your phone.

If you have just updated allow a couple of days for iOS to complete its “housekeeping"

Some apps that use a lot of energy or that use cellular data rather than Wi-Fi can cause the phone to run warmer. Worst offenders are Meta products (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc), interactive games, watching streaming videos, the Camera app and any other app that uses the camera (TikTok, Snapchat, etc). Charging while using apps will also generate a lot of heat. And having VPN installed, whether using it or not, can also consume a lot of energy. But none of these can cause “overheating;” iOS will limit energy use to keep the phone safe, perhaps by dimming the screen.

Periodically app releases may not have been thoroughly tested that will cause similar symptoms.

All of these are manifestations of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics.

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52 replies

Jun 3, 2026 3:13 AM in response to askri

We did update it yesterday and no help so far. I’ll monitor for a few days for the battery to settle (since it takes a few charge-discharge cycles of use for battery to settle, lithiation) and the OS to index stuff. If it continues after that, I’ll also have it checked out, but it is really disappointing to go through that process.

My mum got a Samsung A75 before, which was doing better thermally, lol.

Jun 3, 2026 10:02 AM in response to Stormlight23

Stormlight23 wrote:

As a battery development engineer, I’m surprised that many users successfully mimic the gaslighting behaviour of geniuses. Throwing out some textbook 101 text without considering the context would not make it the actual case.

As a battery development engineer surely you know that batteries don’t get warm just sitting there.

They get warm when charging; the faster the charge the warmer they get
They get warm when apps use energy; the more energy the running apps use the warmer the battery will get
Maintaining a cellular network connection uses energy; the weaker the connection the warmer the battery gets, and the network is always connected (a 1 bar connection uses 10 times as much energy as a 4 bar)
On a secondary level, having VPN installed uses energy, even when not using it, because all communications go through the VPN driver, which is another app.

The bottom line is that if the battery gets warm it is either being charged or one or more processes using energy is responsible, or both; charging while using any functions of ANY device will result in a warmer device.

Jul 2, 2026 1:32 AM in response to Stormlight23

I already returned my phone after it wouldn’t turn on after it went flat, at that appt I showed the genius the actual burn marks on my hand and explained how I never charge t over night due to the real fear of it catching fire due to how hot it runs - the replacement seemed fine for the first few days and a couple of weeks in I’m not experiencing more actual burns it seems to be the bottom left corner of the phone in particular that is where I get burned from- it’s different to a burning from a hot plate it’s more like it’s a radiant heat - as I’m writing this the phone is not even that hot to the touch but my hand is burning and prickling in close proximity to the phone- what is going on?

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 18, 2026 9:37 PM in response to askri

I understand the point about optimization after an update, but in my case it has already been about a week, and the behavior is still quite consistent.

Even during light usage like scrolling videos, the device warms up quickly, and it’s noticeably more than my iPhone 13 under the same conditions.

I’m not seeing an overheating warning, but the temperature increase during basic tasks still feels unusual for a new device.

Given that this device isn’t particularly demanding in terms of hardware, I’m starting to wonder if this is related to thermal management or component behavior rather than just temporary optimization.

So I’m a bit unsure whether this is still within expected behavior, or if it’s something that should be checked further.

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2026 1:53 AM in response to askri

After running diagnostics, the AASP staff told me that electronic devices will naturally warm up.

But, In my case, It’s uncomfortable enough to feel it on my fingers after a short time, even with light usage. At this point, I’m starting to wonder I'm lucky to get the next "features" of the phone.

Also, while I was there, a customer was told that a newly replaced battery could cause the phone to run warm for a couple of weeks. It makes me wonder how many different explanations there are for similar symptoms, both at the AASP and in discussions here.

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

Jul 2, 2026 4:52 AM in response to Sledgepumpkin

Hi @Sledgepumpkin

After nearly a month, my iPhone 17e still gets unusually warm as well. None of the reassurance I received has really matched the actual experience so far.

During a recent holiday trip (May 1st), I actually ended up with irritation on my thumb after prolonged use because I wasn’t paying much attention to the heat at the time.

I mentioned the discomfort on my thumb during my AASP visit, but I was told the temperature behavior was still considered normal.

I covered my fingerprint in the photo, but you can still see the irritated area on my thumb.

[Edited by Moderator]

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

May 13, 2026 8:47 AM in response to askri

The phone gets warm enough that my finger continues to feel irritated and uncomfortable during normal use. At this point, I’m less concerned about benchmarks or diagnostics, and more concerned that simply holding the device for extended periods is becoming unpleasant.

May 14, 2026 8:59 PM in response to askri

Yeah me too. It feels hot at left side. I’m just use for watching Apple TV serial for an hour. And its feels hot. I’m using iPhone 11 before I buy 17e. iPhone 11 feels normal not hot while I’m watch the same serial of Apple TV. Really disappointed

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

May 16, 2026 5:28 AM in response to askri

Right now I’m literally just browsing the web, and the phone is already getting warm again. iOS 26.5 changed nothing. After weeks of “it’s normal” explanations from support, it honestly feels less like troubleshooting and more like scripted reassurance.

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

May 29, 2026 10:20 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

I’m not even talking about heavy, flashy websites. This is just simple everyday browsing.

And if the argument is basically “modern phones run hot because they’re powerful,” then where exactly is the user experience Apple always prides itself on? A phone sitting in your hand getting noticeably warm before you’ve even pushed it hard is not a great experience.

What’s the point of all that power if the actual user experience ends up feeling this poor?

May 29, 2026 11:21 AM in response to askri

askri wrote:

I’m not even talking about heavy, flashy websites. This is just simple everyday browsing.

And if the argument is basically “modern phones run hot because they’re powerful,” then where exactly is the user experience Apple always prides itself on? A phone sitting in your hand getting noticeably warm before you’ve even pushed it hard is not a great experience.

What’s the point of all that power if the actual user experience ends up feeling this poor?

WHY are you continuing to argue your point with only other users? You don't want to listen to what we have to say. You only want to argue, which is pointless. If you're not happy with your phone take that up with Apple. Nothing we say seems to allay your concerns. So we can't help you.

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

May 29, 2026 11:31 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I think you're looking at the result, not the cause.

The time spent discussing this thread is a consequence of the actual problem: a phone that becomes noticeably warm during ordinary use and delivers a disappointing user experience.

You say I should take it up with Apple. I already did. I even brought the device to an AASP and was told to keep monitoring it. Weeks later, nothing has changed.

Part of the reason I keep updating this thread is so that other users experiencing the same thing have something to compare against. The number of likes and “Me Too” responses suggests I'm not the only one.

Or is the idea that products improve when nobody talks about their problems?

Bob Timmons

Level 10

197,776 points

May 30, 2026 9:30 AM in response to askri

Well, Apple Support and expert users have all told you the same thing. I suppose it is possible that everyone is wrong, but that is extremely unlikely.

You are wasting your time here.

The answer is not going to change unless you want to try another online support forum to see if you can find anyone to support your foregone opinion. Try providing some real facts rather than opinions or hunches.

Good luck.

askri Author

Level 1

66 points

Jun 3, 2026 2:06 AM in response to Stormlight23

Hi @Stormlight23

Finally, someone who actually owns and uses an iPhone 17e.

I’ve used the 6s, XS, 13, work iPhones..., and several Android phones. None of them would start feeling warm this quickly during such basic use.

You could try iOS 26.5.1. The update size was surprisingly large for a point release for iPhone 17 series. 🤣

Bob Timmons

Level 10

197,776 points

Jul 2, 2026 6:04 AM in response to askri

We are users on this site.....just like you. Apple is not here.

If Apple Support has told you that your phone is operating normally, and you don't want to accept that......what is it that you think we can do at this point?

New iPhone 17e overheating during normal usage and charging