iPhone 15 owners have had their shiny new device in their hands for a few days, and we’re starting to get a better idea of the latest release from Apple. Most have had positive things to say about the iPhone 15, but it’s not just the Apple detractors who are voicing the complaints.
In fact, there’s a number of widely reported issues with the new iPhone 15 that should be on prospective buyers’ radar. Fortunately, most of these issues are fixable with a software update and Apple has signaled that those are in the works.
Mashable’s own Stan Schroeder had a chance to test out all of the new models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In short, he’s a fan; he has yet to come across any of the reported issues.
Here’s a roundup of drawbacks that have been plaguing new iPhone 15 owners.
1. iPhone 15 gets way too hot
As Mashable recently covered, iPhone 15 users are reporting that the device gets way too hot. Some users are claiming that the phones overheat during taxing mobile gaming sessions. Recording intensive, high-quality 4K video also reportedly causes thermal issues. Others even say that simply charging the device causes the iPhone 15 to sizzle. Some reports state that the phone gets so hot, it becomes too uncomfortable to hold for a phone call.
Adding to customer testimonials, tech outlet Android Authority decided to put the overheating issue to the test and found that the new iPhone 15 ran much hotter than the latest mobile devices from Google and Samsung.
Apple could likely fix at least some of the overheating issues with a software update. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the overheating issue is likely caused by compromises that were made in the new iPhone 15’s thermal design in order to “achieve a lighter weight.” For now, iPhone users will need to wait to see how Apple will address this.
2. A bug causes the iPhone to freeze during setup
As Mashable previously reported last week on the iPhone 15 launch day, some unlucky iPhone 15 users were stuck in an Apple logo boot up loop while trying to transfer data from their previous iPhone.
Luckily though, this is one issue that Apple has already rectified. An iOS update released on launch day fixed the problem for users. New iPhone 15 owners should see the option to upgrade to the new iOS on setup. Users who do get stuck in the loop can take a short series of actions to reset their device and upgrade to the new iOS, allowing them to launch setup without a hitch.
3. Slow, laggy iOS
Some iPhone 15 users are also complaining of lag or choppiness while using the phone.
It’s likely that this issue is more related to the newly launched iOS 17 than the iPhone 15 device directly. Also, many apps have probably yet to launch an update for either iOS 17 or the new iPhone, so any degraded software experience related to that will be fixed as soon as those updates are pushed out.
“I’ve been using an iPhone 15 Pro Max as a daily driver for a week now; I haven’t experienced anything unusual,” Schroeder said when asked about any potential bugs he came across. “It doesn’t overheat, it’s fast, and it charges normally — even the FineWoven case looks great with no scratches nor marks.”
4. Fingerprint-attracting chassis
As mentioned, practically everything we’ve just run down can be fixed or addressed with a software update. But what about issues regarding the chassis? iPhone 15 users have been reporting that the new titanium body is causing trouble, too.
First up, dirt, fingerprints, and other blemishes are apparently much more common on these new devices. Others have reported scratches and even display alignment issues straight out of the box as well.
Users who find issues with the phone before it even comes out of the box should definitely take it back to return or exchange it. It’s unclear how many users are affected by these issues, but it doesn’t seem to be widespread.
As for the titanium body’s propensity to get mucked up, users probably don’t have much to worry about. “The only thing I’ve seen out there that [I’ve experienced personally] is the discoloration of titanium due to fingerprints,” Schroeder said. “That’s temporary though.”
5. The new iPhone breaks too easily
Arguably, the biggest issue facing the new line of iPhone 15s is the durability of the device. This is something built into every phone and isn’t solvable with a software update.
Some longtime iPhone users are finding that the new-generation flagship phone line breaks much more easily than older models.
YouTuber JerryRigEverything, for example, went viral for a video he made testing out just what the new iPhone 15 can withstand. It seems like the new iPhones, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro Max, didn’t pass his tests. In one widely shared video, JerryRigEverything puts pressure on the device by pushing it with his fingers — and the back of the iPhone 15 quickly cracks. Would the average person normally do this to their phone? No. But, the point is, the iPhone could face similar force when a user sits on it while the phone is in their pocket.
Furthermore, Sam Kohl of AppleTrack performed a drop test on the iPhone 15. Kohl found that the older iPhone 14 handled the punishment much better than the iPhone 15. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro was completely unusable after a series of drop tests. What was even more interesting about the test is that Kohl believes the titanium body build isn’t solely to blame. He suspects that the curved edges on the new phone played a role in the device’s weaker body as well.
Again, as we previously mentioned, this isn’t an issue that Apple can solve with a software update. Kohl recommends buying a case for the new, expensive iPhone 15.
