Apple is set to enhance the cooling capabilities of its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models with the introduction of a vapor chamber. Speculation regarding this feature has been ongoing since 2021, when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first mentioned that Apple was testing vapor chamber technology for the iPhone 13.
Although it did not appear in that model, Kuo later indicated last August that Apple was revisiting the idea for the iPhone 17 series. Recent reports suggest that the vapor chamber is intended to effectively manage heat from advanced application processors (APs), specifically the A19 and A19 Pro chips, helping to prevent overheating.
Currently, Apple employs graphene sheets to draw heat away from the A18 and A18 Pro chipsets found in the iPhone 16 series, directing it toward cooler areas of the device. In addition, Apple has upgraded the battery coverings in the iPhone 15 line, replacing foil with metal to better distribute heat throughout the device.
The metal and glass design of the iPhones also plays a role in temperature management. The most recent rumor from tipster Majin Bu suggests that both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will incorporate a vapor chamber, which is a small sealed metallic plate containing a small liquid amount.
As the device heats up, the liquid evaporates, with the vapor circulating and re-condensing as it cools, thus providing a consistent cooling cycle. Majin Bu notes that the Pro models may experience more significant thermal issues due to their powerful processors and advanced display features, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models are expected to use more conventional cooling methods.
If effective, this vapor chamber could allow users to enjoy lengthy gaming sessions without excessive heating of the device.