Recently, Apple’s latest product iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have become the most awaited smartphones in the world. But where expectations are high, problems also subtly come to light. Many users, on sites like Reddit, Apple Community Forum, and Twitter-X, have been raving about the excessive Battery Drain and Overheating issues in the iPhone 16.
This problem not only disrupts charging routines, but also harms hardware lifetime in the long run. I myself experienced these problems on my iPhone 16 Pro device for a week. One day, even just browsing Safari made the device over temperature which became unbearable even to the touch. In this case, the battery of the device rapidly dropped from 100% to 45% – in just 2.5 hours.
When this problem took a widespread turn and became a discussion topic on a forum on Reddit, it turned out that not only the software but also the hardware structure is at the root of it. Specifically, components such as the A18 Pro chipset, new OLED LTPO panel, and 5G continuous connectivity, create high temperatures.
In some cases, a user went and tested the device in Apple Genius Bar, where thermal throttling was declared to be the cause of battery efficiency decrease. So, the goal of this article – not only to identify the causes, but also to provide practical, test-proven solutions.
Ten main reasons – Battery Drain in iPhone 16 and Overheating problem
- iOS 18 System Bugs (Background Activity Loops)
The new iOS 18, especially in the first version, exists relentlessly wasting resources with background-app-refresh loops.
- Lock Screen Live Activities in Widgets
The new widgets system is more functional – especially Weather, Stocks, Fitness – which increases GPU/CPU consumption.
- Ultra-bright LTPO OLED Panel with Always-on Display
In Pro models, 2000+ nits of brightness speeds up battery depletion. Increases display automatic brightness especially in sunny weather.
- Precision-Finding Features in Location Services
The new Ultra-Wideband chip works like it’s always awake, which activates GPS, FindMy, and Nearby Interactions.
- Network Handoff Problems in 5G Modem
If the 5G network is unstable, the iPhone switches networks repeatedly – leading to power loss.
- Photo Processing (Smart HDR 5 & Computational Photography)
Especially on Pro machines, each photo consumes an increasing amount of Battery due to light-processing machine work.
- Spotlight Indexing in Background App Refresh
Especially when a new device is installed, processes like Spotlight, iCloud Sync, Photo Memories and others secretly create heat using the processor.
- Third-party Apps with No Optimization (like Instagram, WhatsApp)
Countless users have made it clear that – Instagram and Facebook – are not optimized for iOS 18, so overuse the GPU.
- Faulty Charging Habits (Fast Charging Abuse)
Fast charging – especially using 30W+ adapters – takes the temperature up to 42° C, which starts degradation.
- Hardware Faults – Thermal Paste or Battery Calibration error
On some devices it was found by Apple Genius that the Thermal Paste is defective, preventing heat dissipation properly.
Impact on iPhone 16/16 Pro
- Performance Throttling – The thermal sensor device automatically reduces the CPU speed.
- Display Flickering or Auto-Dimming – especially during Games and Video Editing.
- Camera Heating Warning – Especially when using 4K 60fps.
- Reduced Battery Lifespan – From 6 months Battery Health drops from 100% to 92%.
- Unexpected Shutdowns – If the temperature is 45°C +, then the device stops itself.
Solutions – Practical approaches and step-by-step clarification
Solution 1: Limit Background App Refresh
Details:
Apps also work even when dormant, especially Facebook and Instagram.
Steps:
- Settings > General > Background App Refresh
- Select “Off” or “Wi-Fi Only”.
- Preserve only the most important apps
Impact:
Battery performance improvement by 10–15%.
Solution 2: Do less Location Services
Details:
FindMy, System Services and others always use GPS.
Steps:
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Put “While Using the App” or “Never” in Non-essential apps
- Disable “Significant Locations” in System Services
Impact:
GPS chipset load would be less – temperature is 3-4°C lower.
Solution 3: Use Low Power Mode regularly
Details:
Made by Apple for battery conservation, but always beneficial to use.
Steps:
- Control Center > Enable Battery Icon
- Alternatively Siri → “Turn On Low Power Mode” .
Impact:
60Hz refresh, background fetch etc. Off – heat decreases.
Solution 4: Screen Brightness: Auto vs Manual Control
Details:
Default “Auto” mode adds more to the brilliance.
Steps:
- Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Brightness “Off”
- Brightness Slider – Set it to 40–50%
Impact:
Display battery usage is reduced by 25%.
Solution 5: Keep iOS 18 Updates regular
Details:
Apple provided patches for regular thermal issues.
Steps:
- Settings > General > Software Update → Update
Impact:
The Overheating issue in iOS 18.1.2 has been less, which was reported on Reddit.
Solution 6: iPhone Reset / DFU Restore (if the above fails)
Details:
Any System Process corruption possible – Clean Restore required.
Steps:
- Enter DFU Mode using iTunes or Finder
- Complete Restore → Start like a new iPhone
Impact:
Major software glitches eliminated. According to the Reddit thread, the overheating is over.
Solution 7: MagSafe Charger avoidance during high usage
Details:
MagSafe Charging causes high heat – especially in a Gaming session.
Alternative approach:
Use wired 20W charger during low-usage time – night etc.
Solution 8: Battery Calibration (Reset Battery Stats)
Steps:
- Charge the Battery to 100%
- Prevent to 0% from the whole
- Charging back to 100% at rest
Impact:
Battery percentage appears more consistent.
FAQ — User questions and answers
- How can I tell if the overheating is hardware or software?
- If the temperature is excessive even after the DFU Restore – a hardware problem is possible.
- Which temperature is normal in iPhone 16?
- 28–35°C Normal. If 40°C+, alert.
- Is Fast Charging safe to use?
- If Apple certified adapter and environment cold – well, but harmful in the long run.
- Is overheating normal during Gaming?
- Yes, especially in HDR Enabled Gaming, but if the Camera gives warning – discarded.
- Battery Health 100% → 90% in 3 months – Is it normal?
- No – a sign of too much power loss. Genius Bar should be tested.
- Disabling widgets – what kind of benefit?
- Low GPU load – battery conservation.
- Is it appropriate to always use Low Power Mode?
- If efficiency is not expected, it is advantageous to use forever.
- Heating during charging – normal?
- Up to 2–3°C is normal, but 45°C+, should be discarded.
- Camera heating in 4K video – what is the solution?
- Select Lower frame rate – use 4K 30fps only.
- Thermal paste problem – how to validate?
- Genius Bar testing alone provides the proof. Difficult to self-test.
Conclusion – Summary and practical message
The Battery Drain and Overheating problem in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro devices is not only unsettling for Apple users, but also leads to investment-defeat in the long run. This problem is not just a figment of the imagination – but has been exposed in thousands of expressed forms on Reddit, X (Twitter), and Apple Support forums.
Although Apple will try to fix the problem with new iOS updates in the future, users still have to do their own system optimization and charging astrology. If the problem is chronic, then a Genius Bar interview is a must.
The iPhone is not just a gadget – but a part of life. Therefore, it should be arranged as well as possible.
