Following the rollout of Apple’s iOS 18.2 update, some iPhone users have reported overheating issues while using specific AI-powered features, raising concerns about device performance and battery life.
The iOS 18.2 update, launched last week, marks Apple’s official venture into mobile AI with features branded as “Apple Intelligence.” However, users have taken to social media to share complaints about rising device temperatures and faster battery drainage, especially during the use of certain generative AI tools.
One of the main culprits appears to be the “Image Playground” feature, which allows users to create AI-generated images or edit existing ones innovatively, such as turning a portrait into a 3D design or adding new elements to photos. Users reported significant overheating during prolonged use of this feature.
Another feature causing issues is “Genmoji,” a tool for creating advanced emojis. Owners of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max specifically complained about stuttering and lag in the user interface, leading to an unsatisfactory experience. Meanwhile, some iPhone 16 users reported smoother functionality, suggesting that the problem may be limited to older hardware.
Additionally, reports indicate overheating while using the Photos app, an issue affecting even iPhone 16 devices. Users have also noted faster battery depletion since installing the update.
Generative AI features are resource-intensive, and unlike other companies that rely on cloud servers to offload processing demands, Apple runs most AI tasks locally on the device. While this approach prioritizes user privacy, it places a heavy load on hardware, leading to overheating and increased power consumption.
Apple relies heavily on the efficiency of its processors rather than advanced cooling systems. However, as on-device AI capabilities expand, there may be a growing need to adopt advanced cooling technologies, such as vapor chambers, to support these features efficiently.
Notably, the AI-driven features in iOS 18.2 are exclusively available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, leaving earlier devices without access to these updates.
