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iPhone 15 issues and solutions: overheating, battery, performance problems and more

By Tsveta Ermenkova

Updated: Oct 19, 2023, 9:22 AM

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Apple

iPhone 15 issues and solutions: overheating, battery, performance problems and more

The newest iPhone 15 series hit the market last year, and while many have already snagged theirs, some of you might still be wonder whether to get one, especially if you are eyeing the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Enough time has ticked by for us to size up the situation and spot not just the shiny new features and upgrades but also some hiccups.

The iPhone 15 series has its fair share of reported issues, and if you are contemplating a purchase, it is good to be in the know. Most of these problems can be sorted out with a software update, and Apple has already tackled a few. But for your convenience, we have rounded up all the known issues tied to the iPhone 15 series right here so you can weigh the pros and cons before diving into Apple's latest and greatest. Let's take a closer look at the iPhone 15 issues.

Jump to:

iPhone 15 overheating
iPhone 15's battery issue
Apple logo loop
Slow and laggy performance
Fingerprint fuss
Crackle and distort audio
iPhone 15 screen burn-in and image retention
iPhone 15 Wi-Fi connection issue

To begin with, here is a handy table with all those issues in one place and their possible solutions if you happen to be one of the unlucky ones to experience any of them.

Issue	Affected Models	Description	Possible Solutions
Overheating	iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max	Phones getting excessively hot, especially during gaming or video recording.	Update to iOS 17.0.3, which addresses overheating issues.
Battery Drain	All iPhone 15 Models	Reports of battery life falling short of expectations.	Ensure you're on the latest iOS version, consider disabling features like Background App Refresh and Location Services.
Apple Logo Boot-Up Loop	All iPhone 15 Models	Users stuck in a loop during data transfer.	Upgrade to the latest iOS 17 during setup or download it afterward. If stuck, reset and upgrade to new iOS.
Slow and Laggy	All iPhone 15 Models	Phones feeling sluggish, especially when running multiple apps or games.	Keep iOS updated to the latest version. Try restarting your iPhone and close unused apps.
Chassis Issues (Dirt, Scratches, etc.)	iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max	Titanium frame attracting dirt, fingerprints, and scratches.	Clean the frame regularly or embrace those fingerprints.
Distorted Audio	All iPhone 15 Models	Crackling and distortion, especially at high volumes.	Ensure you're on the latest iOS version. Try cleaning the speaker or restarting your iPhone.
Image retention and screen Burn-in	iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max	Persistent burnt-in images are reported, even when the device is turned off. Image retention is a less severe issue than screen burn-in, which involves lingering ghost images from previous screens.	For image retention issues update to iOS 17.1 If the problem persists, it may be screen burn-in. Seek assistance if under warranty. Apple may replace the device. Visit Genius Bar or contact the nearest Apple Store.
Wi-Fi Connectivity	iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max	Numerous users report struggles connecting their new iPhones to home Wi-Fi networks. Issues range from initial success to subsequent failures or slow connections.	While various online solutions exist, none offer a permanent fix. The most viable solution currently is reaching out to Apple for assistance. Increased user reports may expedite the development of a resolution, ideally in the form of a new software update.

Too hot to handle: iPhone 15 overheating

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Now, let's talk about the most widespread issue reported by iPhone 15 users. Some people are feeling the heat quite literally, as their phones are getting uncomfortably hot, even when taking a break. Users have pointed out situations where the iPhone 15 becomes a hot potato during intense mobile gaming or when recording high-quality 4K video. Charging the device seems to add fuel to the fire, with some users claiming their iPhones sizzle.

Cause of the problem: This overheating drama seems to be hitting the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models particularly hard. Some users even found the titanium frame too hot to handle. Initially, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculated that this overheating headache resulted from compromises in the iPhone 15's thermal design to achieve a lighter weight. However, Apple stepped in and proved him wrong by addressing the issue.

Suggested solution: The cavalry arrived in the form of a software superhero: the iOS 17 update. This update not only brings essential bug fixes and security updates but also takes a swing at the overheating problem. If you make the jump to version 17.0.3 of iOS 17, you should find your iPhone 15 cooling its heels and behaving itself.

Battery blues: iPhone 15's battery drains too fast

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Ah, the classic battery blues—some iPhone 15 users have reported that their device's battery life isn't quite living up to expectations and drains way too fast.

Cause of the problem: Well, it could be a mix of things, like the new features or maybe a sneaky software bug. Battery issues often tag along, especially when Apple unleashes a fresh iOS update. And hey, let's not forget that 5G has a knack for sipping that battery juice faster than good ol' LTE, so complaints about a drain aren't exactly breaking news.

Suggested solution: This battery issue seems to have cast its shadow over the entire iPhone 15 series. Now, to keep your battery singing a longer tune, a couple of tricks might come in handy. First off, make sure you are rocking the latest iOS version—every new iOS 17 update tends to kick some issues to the curb. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can play detective by turning off features you are not really using, like Background App Refresh and Location Services.

Setup glitches: Fixing the Apple logo loop

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Some iPhone 15 users hit a snag with an Apple logo boot-up loop while transferring data from their old iPhones, as first reported by 9to5Mac.

Cause of the problem: Probably an iOS 17 bug.

Suggested solution: Apple swiftly sorted this out with an iOS update on launch day. New iPhone 15 owners (and this applies to the entire iPhone 15 series), during setup, should get a prompt to upgrade to the latest iOS, fixing the data transfer hiccup.

For those yet to set up their phone, skip the data transfer during setup, finish the regular drill, and grab the iOS 17 update. If your iPhone nudges you to update during setup, even better. If not, no worries—finish the setup, reset your phone, and start the setup again. This time, pick the "From Another iPhone” data transfer option without a hitch.

Slow and laggy: iOS 17's impact

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Ah, the classic "slow and laggy" dance—some iPhone 15 users have reported feeling the drag, but it seems it is more of an iOS 17 issue than an iPhone hiccup. Whether you are rocking the regular or Pro model, users claim things can get a bit sluggish, especially with multiple apps or graphics-intensive games in the mix.

Cause of the problem: Well, running lots of apps at the same time or having low storage space may cause the issue, but when it comes to brand new phone, it has to be more of an iOS 17 issue.

Suggested solution: Ensure you are rolling with the latest iOS version. If things still feel like they are waltzing in slow motion, a quick restart or closing unnecessary apps might just kick things back into high gear.

Fingerprint fuss: Chassis challenges

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Alright, let's talk about one not-so-glamorous side of the iPhone 15—issues with the chassis. iPhone 15 users are buzzing about the new titanium body, causing a bit of trouble by attracting dirt, fingerprints, and blemishes like a magnet (via MacRumors). Some unlucky users even reported scratches and display alignment issues straight out of the box.

If you spot these problems before your iPhone even sees daylight, it is a no-brainer—take it back for a return or exchange. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be an epidemic.

Cause of the problem: The material used in iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is titanium and apparently it tends to get fingerprints easier even than the recycled aluminum in the iPhone 15.

Suggested solution: Unfortunately, this time around, a software update won't ride to the rescue. Your best bet? Regularly clean that frame with a cloth, or embrace the art of pretending you don't see those pesky fingerprints.

Audio woes: Crackle and distort

Image Credit–Phonearena

Issue description and symptoms: Looks like there is a bit of a tune-up trouble for users across various iPhone 15 models, with some noticing distorted and crackly audio when cranking up the volume. The earpiece speaker seems to be taking the brunt of it.

Notable TikToker Milesabovetech (via 9to5Mac) raised a flag on this with his iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Apple stepped in, replacing his phone twice for free, acknowledging the issue. Reddit's buzzing with other iPhone 15 users echoing similar problems, even with replacement units.

Cause of the problem: Now, the million-dollar question: Is this a hardware glitch or a software hiccup? While it is still up in the air, the software seems to be the prime suspect, as users continue facing the same issue after getting a shiny new replacement.

Suggested solution: Here is the game plan for now: Ensure you are jamming with the latest iOS version. If the crackle persists, give that speaker a gentle clean or throw in a classic restart. Unfortunately, no permanent solution is in sight yet, but these tricks might just bring the music back to your ears.

iPhone 15 screen burn-in and image retention

Image Credit–joshmcx/Reddit

Issue description and symptoms: Reports are surfacing about screen burn-in problems plaguing Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max. Recently, a tech enthusiast has raised concerns, noting that even when the iPhone 15 Pro Max is turned off, a persistent burnt-in image remains visible. Users encountering this issue have taken to Reddit to share their experiences.

Some of the reported cases initially thought to be burn-in screen issues turned out to be image retention, a similar but less harmful problem.

Cause of the problem: Screen burn-in occurs when an image lingers on the display for an extended period, persisting regardless of ongoing device activity. This issue is common with OLED displays and often begins as image retention—a lingering ghost image from a previous screen. Unlike screen burn-in, which is a hardware-related concern, image retention may be linked to software issues and is not permanent like screen burn-in.

Apps with static elements, like Google Maps, are identified as potential contributors. Currently, this problem seems to affect only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Suggested solution: Considering the extended timeframe required for screen burn-in, it raises questions about potential manufacturing defects in affected iPhone 15 Pro Max units. In any case, a hardware issue like this cannot be resolved through a software update. Users experiencing burn-in on their phones, covered by the one-year warranty, are advised to seek assistance. Apple may replace the affected device, and affected users can visit the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or contact their nearest store for guidance.

On the flip side, if the issue is indeed image retention, updating to iOS 17.1 should address and resolve it.

iPhone 15 Wi-Fi connection issue

Issue description and symptoms: Numerous iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users have taken to the internet, sharing their struggles in connecting their new smartphones to their home Wi-Fi networks. The recurring problem revolves around initial successful connections, followed by subsequent failures or agonizingly slow connections. Over 800 individuals on the Apple community page voiced their woes, ranging from complete inability to connect to experiencing an unstable connection.

Cause of the problem: Presently, the issue appears confined to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. However, users report encountering similar problems with older iPhone models and iPads after updating to iOS 17.0.3. (Ah, the classic case of solving one problem only to birth another, a tale as old as time, right?).

This suggests a potential iOS-related glitch requiring Apple's attention. Additionally, the hiccup might stem from outdated firmware on WAP/routers, although the lack of a specific cause complicates matters. The problem spans users with different routers, internet providers, and networks broadcasting various frequencies simultaneously (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and all 20/40/80/160Hz ranges).

Suggested solution: While various solutions circulate in the online realm, a deeper dive suggests none of them provides a permanent fix. Currently, the most viable solution is reaching out to Apple if you encounter this Wi-Fi issue and explaining the problem. Increased user reports may expedite the company's development and rollout of a resolution, hopefully in the form of a new software update.

In addition, you can attempt to reset your iPhone network settings, a step that proved effective for some but not all users. Contacting your internet provider to rule out issues on their end is another avenue to explore. Verifying that your device's time is correctly set, accessible through Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically, may not offer a guaranteed solution but is worth a try while awaiting a more permanent fix from Apple.

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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.