Multiple reports have indicated that at least one variant of the iPhone 17 is set to operate at lower temperatures thanks to an advanced liquid cooling technology known as a vapor chamber. This claim has been reinforced by a third source, although the specific models benefiting from this feature remain unclear.
As Apple’s chipsets become increasingly powerful each year, they tend to generate significant heat when executing resource-intensive tasks, like playing high-end games. This results in the device needing to lower power usage …
This process, referred to as thermal throttling, occurs when internal sensors detect that the chip has reached its maximum safe temperature. To prevent potential heat-related damage, the chip’s performance is scaled back until temperatures decrease.
Larger devices, such as the MacBook Pro, utilize fans to dissipate heat, while the iPhone depends on passive cooling mechanisms via a heatsink. Essentially, this heatsink acts as a solid metal or graphite component that absorbs heat and transfers it to the phone’s exterior.
Vapor Chamber
The vapor chamber serves as a more advanced heatsink, containing liquid within it. When excess heat builds up in a certain area of the phone, this liquid vaporizes. The resulting vapor then moves to the outer walls, where it condenses, helping to lower the overall temperature.
This concept is similar to the evaporative cooling method used in air coolers, or even applying a damp cloth to someone’s forehead when they have a fever.
The video below illustrates how this technology operates within a smartphone.
Reports on iPhone 17 Liquid Cooling
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to hint at the inclusion of a vapor chamber in the iPhone 17 lineup, suggesting last summer that it would be exclusive to the Pro Max model of the iPhone 17.
Of the new iPhone models for 2025, only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature an upgraded cooling system that combines vapor chamber (VC) technology and graphite sheets. Other models will continue to utilize graphite sheets alone for heat management.
Earlier this year, the Chinese website MyDrivers reiterated this notion of a vapor chamber, proposing that all iPhone 17 models would include this technology.
Apple is set to enhance the heat dissipation systems for the iPhone 17 series, ensuring that VC [vapor chamber] heat sinks are present in all models.
Most recently, leaker Instant Digital, who has previously been reliable regarding iPhone rumors, provided a nuanced take—indicating that both Pro models will adopt this feature.
It is confirmed that both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will incorporate vapor chamber technology for heat dissipation.
DMN’s Perspective
Considering the support from three different sources and the presence of this feature in some higher-end Android devices, the likelihood of these reports appears strong.
Regarding which models will feature a vapor chamber, it seems more reasonable to begin with the high-performance variants, so I would expect either both Pro models or solely the Pro Max to be equipped with it.
Highlighted Accessories
Image: Advanced Thermal Solutions
