Apple releases iOS 17.0.3 to address iPhone 15 overheating issues

Update includes crucial bug fixes, security enhancements, and optimisations for improperly configured apps.

Apple has rolled out iOS 17.0.3 for iPhone 15 and iPad iOS 17.0.3 in response to customer complaints of overheating issues, as we covered here earlier this week.

Users reported that their iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max devices were experiencing excessive heat, with some even encountering shutdowns due to overheating concerns.

Apple has issued a statement explaining that the update includes critical bug fixes, security enhancements, and specifically addresses the problem of iPhones running hotter than expected. The company acknowledged reports on social media over the weekend regarding the temperature issues with its new iPhones. It attributed the problem to a combination of improperly configured apps, including Instagram and Uber, and announced that it had been collaborating with app developers to optimise these problematic applications.

Apple addresses two vulnerabilities

In the update, Apple released patch notes that identified and addressed two vulnerabilities contributing to the heating problem. The first vulnerability was a kernel exploit that could have been exploited by an attacker with local access to the device. Apple noted that this vulnerability may have been actively exploited in versions of iOS prior to iOS 16.6.

Additionally, the company addressed a second issue related to a libvpx bug, which had the potential to allow remote takeover of a device. Users can obtain this update by checking for the latest version in their device's settings.

Despite speculations about hardware-related issues in the iPhone 15, such as the powerful processor or titanium components, Apple's statements primarily attribute the overheating problem to software issues.

The company also mentioned the potential for heating when using USB-C chargers. Apple clarified that it has no plans to modify the A17 Pro chip and emphasised that the titanium and aluminium design of the iPhone 15 Pro actually offers better heat dissipation than the stainless steel frames used in previous models.