According to multiple reports, at least one next-gen iPhone model will receive a high-tech liquid cooling system known as a “vapor chamber.”
The rumor, which has been cited by a third source as of Wednesday, will include the new cooling system, which is designed to take on additional heat when Apple chips have to perform demanding tasks like running graphic-intensive games, forcing the device to reduce power.
The technique, which is known as “thermal throttling,” is when internal temperature sensors indicate that the chip has hit its maximum operating temperature. To protect it and other components from heat damage, the performance of the chip is throttled back until the temperature falls.
While larger and more powerful devices such as MacBook Pro notebooks and Mac desktops have fans to dissipate heat, the iPhone relies on passive cooling via a heatsink. The heatsink acts as a solid chunk of metal or graphite designed to absorb heat and transfer it to the outer casing of the phone. A vapor chamber acts as a more sophisticated heatsink, complete with liquid inside. When there’s too much heat in a particular section of the phone, that liquid is vaporized. That vapor travels to the outer walls, where it condenses, reducing the temperature. This is the same principle as using evaporative cooling in air coolers or applying a wet cloth to someone’s forehead if they’re running a fever.
Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to report on the company’s plans to include a vapor chamber in the iPhone 17 series last summer, stating it would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro Max:
“Among the 2025 new iPhone models, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature […] an upgraded cooling system combining vapor chamber (VC) technology and graphite sheets. Other 2025 new iPhone models will continue to use graphite sheets alone for thermal management.”
Other outfits offered similar claims, lending credence to the rumor.
As always, time will tell as to what Apple intends to do with its next-gen iPhone model.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
