iPhone 16 Rumored to Feature New Thermal Design

Apple plans to introduce a new thermal system on the iPhone 16 to reduce overheating, according to the leaker known as "Kosutami."

iPhone 16 Mock Header Updated 1
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kosutami explained that Apple is working on a graphene thermal system for the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup, while the iPhone 16 Pro models could add metal battery casings to reduce overheating. The move appears to come in response to widely encountered overheating issues experienced with the iPhone 15 Pro, which Apple addressed through a software update earlier this year.

Graphene has high thermal conductivity, surpassing that of copper, which is currently used in iPhone heat-sinks. Apple has been interested in graphene for thermal management for some time, filing patents related to its exploration of the material for heat dissipation in portable devices. Apple previously transitioned the Apple Watch's battery from black foil casings to ones made of metal with the Series 7, so an equivalent change on the ‌iPhone‌ seems plausible.

Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

xraydoc Avatar
24 months ago
Seems sketchy.

iPhone 15 overheating reports seem to have died down after the recent software updates. My 15 Pro doesn’t get any warmer than my 13 mini did when being pushed.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
24 months ago
I wonder how they never caught the heat issue during the device’s testing phase.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
deebinem Avatar
24 months ago
I don't think it's going to be hit with consumers...



Attachment Image
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TrenttonY Avatar
24 months ago
If there wasn’t a defect in the design with the current generation (like Apple said), then they wouldn’t be changing it for the next generation.

Good ol’ indirect self admission.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
krspkbl Avatar
24 months ago
Any excuse to hike the price, I guess.

My 15 Pro Max has never got warm nevermind hot.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
24 months ago

Apple previously transitioned the Apple Watch's battery from black foil casings to ones made of metal with the Series 7
What is 'black foil' if not also metal?
Wait, is this an X-Files thing (black oil)? ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)