Level 1

26 points

Macbook Pro 2018 overheating, and other strange problems

Hello Apple support community, I am a long time Apple admirer but I'm so unhappy with my latest purchase. I bought my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) about a month ago. Since then, I noticed that this notebook feels more like a trashy Windows computer with lots of problems, unlike a real mac like my old Macbook Air. That one used to work perfectly. I am extremely unhappy with my purchase and also want to let every Apple fan know that this laptop is faulty.

So the biggest issue with this computer is that even under very light load, it overheats. Like the palm rests become uncomfortable because they are too hot, and don't even get me started how it feels if I use it on my lap. I literally have to wipe the computer every 10 minutes because of the sweat caused by hot palm rests. I got the same issue with the first Macbook Pro 2018 I bought, I then got it replaced, but there is no difference at all. Before touching on every issue, let me show you some proof that this computer's cooling system is not working properly. Writing this post, I am very uncomfortable because of the heat on my legs.

Here's what Apple says about the heat. It will surely decrease the life of my computer:

I am also really disappointed by the bad battery life of this laptop compared to my 2015 macbook air. Here's a picture of the battery life under normal load: (I think it is so bad because of the heat problem)

Here's the battery life when the computer is cold:

For the heat issue, I took different screenshots in different scenarios and have a label for each photo, describing what it is about. I screenshotted the fan speeds, cpu temperatures and the computer load everytime I noticed unusual things.

Here the computer is really really hot:

This is a screenshot when the palm rest felt really hot:

This is when computer is kind of under some load, but doesnt feel so hot:

This is when computer was really hot but fans were not working:

This is when it was hot and fans running slowly:

Fans running fast while not hot:

A screenshot when everything feels totally normal, computer doesnt feel hot:

https://pasteboard.co/HDURYKP.png

This is when the bottom of the computer felt extremely hot:

https://pasteboard.co/HDURF8nf.png

This is when the temperatures look cool but the bottom of the laptop is burning:

https://pasteboard.co/HDUR8NH.png

When laptop was cool but fans running crazy:

https://pasteboard.co/HDUQP0c.png

When my hands are really hot because of the burning palm rest:

https://pasteboard.co/HDUQCic.png

When laptop is burning yet no fan working:

https://pasteboard.co/HDUQsY4.png

Here are some other problems occurred you would not expect from a real Apple notebook(These kind of -windows computer- style issues never happened to my 3-year-old MacBook Air):

- Airdrop doesnt work when connected to VPN. I've tested this and I'm sure that VPN connection blocks Airdrop usage between my macbook and iPhone X

macbook pro 2018 sound got stuck in the middle of the song - had to force restart the computer - YouTube

macbook pro 2018 screen gone - had to force restart the computer - YouTube

macbook pro 2018 won't turn on after crashed - YouTube

macbook pro wont sleep - YouTube

I am hoping to get support here because trying to get support through live chat and phone support, but they just kept asking for hardware test and stuff, and hardware tests didn't show any issues. I contacted Apple through feedback also, noting everything, but they did not respond. I need real Apple engineers to notice my report of strange problems and acknowledge them. This laptop disgraces Apple's quality. The overheating is absolutely not normal for this laptop. This laptop gets hot even if you only have safari open with 2 tabs

macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 14, 2018 4:23 PM

89 replies

denigada Author

Level 1

26 points

Jul 5, 2019 9:31 AM in response to cihaner

I am still having this issue. Have you found a solution? I am using 2-3 apps and the laptop is extremely hot. I exchanged the notebook, still same issue. I can't believe everyone is having this issue and no-one is reporting it on the internet.

denigada Author

Level 1

26 points

Jul 5, 2019 9:50 AM in response to DPJ

I am using safari.

None of the apps are putting stress on the CPU, my computer is too hot to put on my lap even though the CPU load is only at 10-15%.

What I'm referring to as "extremely hot" is I can't keep my hand touched to the bottom of the laptop for more than 5 seconds. I just checked the temperature when saying this, and it is 55 degrees celsius. I guess that is a normal number for running temperature, but the bottom is really really hot. I don't know maybe the sensors are broken.

I have done both resets. I even switched the notebook to a new one when I first bought it, same problem... I have had this problem since I first bought the computer.

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Jul 5, 2019 9:57 AM in response to TomEmail

"use an app such as Photos, iTunes, etc... the temp increases almost instantaneously. Shoots past 90° Celsius almost instantaneously."

Finding that hard to believe as the MacBook shuts down once it hits 100 degrees celsius. Sounds like you're exaggerating a great deal. Post a screenshot.

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Jul 5, 2019 10:00 AM in response to denigada

The MacBook housing is metal for more than just aesthetics. It's designed as a heatsink. 55 degrees celsius is very normal. If none of your apps are stressing the CPU then there's no way it could be getting hot or remotely warm. That wouldn't be logical. Since you've already replaced it then you may have to get used to how MacBooks work because yours certainly doesn't appear to be defective.

denigada Author

Level 1

26 points

Jul 5, 2019 10:00 AM in response to DPJ

Please check my screenshots with explanations. My computer is way too hot even though the temperature control app shows 60~ degrees. Right now I have 3-4 apps open. CPU load is 15%, degrees show 60 celsius, but it is really uncomfortable to put the laptop on my lap

Nov 10, 2018 7:31 PM in response to denigada

I also have this problem with my 13" MacBook Pro 2018 with Touch Bar. I have taken it to the Genius Bar and was told there were no hardware issues found.

On a fresh install my MacBook runs very hot and crashes when I'm simply watching a lecture and taking notes in One Note. I couldn't find a temperature monitor from Apple, however iStats Menu tells me I'm running at 160 F. I only use my MacBook case-free and have the display on very low, to avoid excessive heat. Please help.

Dec 11, 2018 2:42 PM in response to denigada

I've had the same issues with my 2nd MBP. Got a 2018 MBP 15 inch, beginning of September...1 TB, 32 GB RAM, 2.9 i9. Got SUPER HOT & burned my legs!!!! Plus,the Fan WOULDN't STOP running & the Battery....UGH!!!! Depleted faster than my puppy would eat her food! Then the fan made a loud weird noise & luckily I recorded the noise as my iPhone was next to me. Only 2 weeks in, I made an appt. I couldn't replicate the problem at Apple Store(of course). So, luckily I showed them the video. Since it was custom build, I had to wait 2 more weeks. Now I have the new 2018 MBP. Same specs. Still have same problems. I'm a photographer & use PhotoShop & Lightroom all of the time. Frustration is everyday. I miss my MacBook Air as well. I NEVER had problems with the 2 Airs that we own. Really torn with what to do. Debating on going back to Apple & getting a new one, but w/o the i9 processor. We are a family of 5 with iPads, mini iPad's, I phones, MacBook Airs, & now MBP, plus College kiddo has a MBP. I would like to know if this overheating/battery life/fan issue will be resolved or if the $4,500 investment is another lemon.

Dec 23, 2018 9:53 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

This is a silly argument. Firstly, where does Apple say it's NOT a laptop? Nowhere. Second, you're actually proving my point, but let me dumb it down for you: Apple acknowledges that the MBP can and will be used on the lap, hence the warning for "prolonged" usage there. They don't say "don't use it there", they just say don't use it there for a long period of time. What you're trying to point out is merely a subjective conclusion based on zero fact. Third, tons of major outlets refer to the MBP as a laptop. CNET, The Verge, MacWorld, Quora, etc etc...the list goes on and on. I guess they're all wrong too, so you should contact them, what a travesty!

Also, your attempt at answering jbk224bamacophile was not helpful at all to him/her, incomplete and not based on any data. "modern opperating systems use all available RAM to increase speed and efficiency." ALL available?? I can't speak for everyones usage, but mine. Given the fact that I can transfer photos, simultaniously play a big project in Logic Pro while surfing via Safari and have three other apps running in the background with a grand total of 38% memory being used while loading my CPU at 29.8% peak (iStat numbers) tells me and many others that the newer MBP's have a serious issue with overheating under an average (at best) load. All the while, my 2018 MBP is elevated 1" off of a hard surface and running at 162 deg F in a room at a temperature of 72 deg F. It's as well ventilated as it can possibly be without housing it in a freezer as I use it.

Your points are simply rhetorical, subjective and opinion based.

Dec 23, 2018 8:48 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Actually, it is...just not "prolonged" use. From Apples handling recommendations: "Use common sense to avoid situations where your skin is in prolonged contact with a device or its power adapter when it’s operating or plugged into a power source." https://help.apple.com/macbookprothunderbolt3/late-2018/#/apd9b8f7aa11

Dec 27, 2018 7:28 AM in response to Waitingtoupdate

Sad to read these posts on overheating of the MBP. I am in desprite need of replacing my current 2008 which also has an over heating issue that started out of the box. Come on Apple — this has been a problem for MBP for a very long time. Figure it out.

It is time for a new computer. 2008 is not only a little old.,It is obsolete and/or vintage.

Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Jan 5, 2019 2:21 PM in response to denigada

Came here googling for the same symptoms. Now I read all this.

I"m a user who just comes from 20 years of Windows. This looks a bit like good old Windows... disappointing.

Jan 11, 2019 5:36 PM in response to fsjay

Because Apple got called out for throttling and now they over heat go figure.

Stop making thin products.

-Philip-

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2019 4:39 PM in response to denigada

The same here AIR2015 I7, overheating with only Youtube on

Never had this problem with the 2013Air I5 though

What a shame

Please help.

Network 23

Level 6

12,351 points

Mar 14, 2019 12:03 PM in response to DPJ

Yes, I guess I did miss that! But no problem, it just backs up my point. Going to Windows is not necessarily going to solve the heat issues with these Intel CPUs in thin enclosures.

ozkar

Level 1

8 points

Apr 8, 2019 11:55 AM in response to DPJ

You are just kidding DPJ right?

Mine it's a new Macbook PRO 2018 (november 2018) and overheats everyday, every time.

You must were kidding I'm sure!

Best regards

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Macbook Pro 2018 overheating, and other strange problems