iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating and massive cellular data drain from 'General' system services

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating and massive cellular data drain from 'General' system services

Hello,

I am reaching out to get a definitive solution for a severe, persistent issue with my iPhone 15 Pro Max that has been ongoing for about a year.

The Problem:

Periodically (every 1 to 3 weeks), my iPhone suddenly starts overheating severely and becomes extremely lagging and slow. During these episodes, there is a massive, abnormal spike in cellular data usage. To give you an idea of the scale, it drains around 100 GB of cellular data within a single week without any active usage or intervention from my side.

This issue is costing me a lot of money in cellular bills, and the constant severe overheating has caused my battery health to degrade rapidly.

What I Discovered:

After closely monitoring the cellular data statistics, I found that this massive data drain is strictly driven by System Services, specifically the "General" (عام) category. It is NOT caused by iCloud Drive, Photos, Software Updates, or any third-party apps. It is entirely tied to "General".

The issue stops for a while and then randomly triggers again every week or two. I have no control over it, and I cannot block this specific system background drain.

I have already contacted Apple Support over the phone in Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately, they were unable to provide any helpful explanation or solution.

I have attached a screenshot showing the cellular statistics reset date along with the massive data consumption during just one week.

This is clearly a critical system bug or a background loop. I need this escalated to the engineering team for a real solution.

Thank you, and I look forward to your urgent response.

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Urgent: Massive Cellular Data Drain and Overheating Caused by "General" System Services on iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Jun 8, 2026 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

438,104 points

Jun 8, 2026 8:32 PM in response to KRDES

📱Facing iPhone heating issues? Here's what worked for me on my iPhone 12 Pro:

1️⃣ Backup on iCloud/iTunes

2️⃣ Log out of Apple ID

3️⃣ Erase (Keep eSIM Data)

❌ DO NOT restore from backups! Set up as new iPhone. Wait 2-3 days - no issue! That Indicates...

✅ No hardware/ iOS issue

Now...

📦 Restore data gradually

🔍 Find app/settings causing heat

My experience says this is purely caused by some third-party app that you may have installed.

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.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

275,424 points

Jun 8, 2026 1:57 PM in response to KRDES

One thing stands out in your screenshot:

You have your Hotspot turned on!

That Hotspot will almost certainly cost you lots of cellular data. Either turn off your Hotspot or explain why it’s on and how much data is being used to service it.

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Answer 3

SravanKrA

Level 10

438,104 points

Jun 8, 2026 8:34 PM in response to KRDES

I don't think the data shown is for the week. It is for a period. Ask your Carrier for the period-wise data usage. You are not charged for the data consumption based on what is displayed on your iPhone.

What is the Last Reset Date on your device? [Scroll all the way to the bottom]

Starting this Date, there are two sections which provide data for your analysis.

Under Cellular / Mobile Data Section

Current Period and Current Roaming Period cellular data usage.

[Scroll Down]

Call Time section

Current Period and Lifetime Calls.

How did you assess for which period the data usage belongs to?

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Answer 4

SravanKrA

Level 10

438,104 points

Jun 8, 2026 8:35 PM in response to KRDES

Just to clarify, it's important to understand that a single SIM card can actually be used across multiple devices. This means that you can consume data from any device, including Android devices.

All the data consumption associated with that SIM card is consolidated in one central location: your trusted carrier. It's worth noting that your carrier will bill you based on this consolidated information. Therefore, if you need a comprehensive breakdown of your usage, I would recommend reaching out to your carrier and requesting a detailed itemised bill.

By doing so, you'll have a clear overview of your usage across all the devices you've used with that SIM card, ensuring transparency and accuracy in your billing.

If you're using an Exchange ActiveSync account, it may continue to use mobile data even if you've turned it off for Mail and Calendar. To see the mobile data usage of your Exchange ActiveSync account, go to Settings > Mobile Data > System Services.

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