News
iPhone 3GS units overheating, causing discoloration?
A number of iPhone 3GS owners have complained that the handset becomes overly hot, with at least one user reporting a discoloration of the white plastic back. Photos posted to the French site Nowhere Else (Translated Link) show a 16GB white iPhone 3GS unit with reddish/pink discolorations running vertically down the back on either side of the Apple logo; the user claims these appeared after the phone got “very hot” while testing out a variety of location-aware apps over 3G. At least one iLounge editor has seen similar behavior from his unit after connecting it to a specific battery pack for charging, and a thread on Apple’s support discussions site suggests others are also noticing their iPhones getting abnormally warm. It is unclear whether the issue is software- or hardware-based and if the warmth and discoloration problems are widespread. [via Engadget]
Related Stories
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple patent filing uses multiple devices to light a scene
- Google: iOS Hangouts, new Maps, Music All Access + More
- In-flight e-device guidelines still up in the air
- Apple sued over iPhone 4 power button failures
- Watch ABC app streams live TV programming
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- iLounge Weekly arriving Monday, giveaway reminder
- Report: BBM iOS app won’t support iPad at launch
- Report: iRadio might miss WWDC debut
- Fair Labor Assoc.: Foxconn, Apple still exceed work hours
- CW to bring content to Apple TV
- Moshi debuts aluminum USB Cable with Lightning Connector
- Cook talks Apple’s taxes ahead of Senate testimony
- iLuv intros Aud 5 Lightning speaker dock for iPhone 5
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with new Mini Player
Recent Reviews
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
- MyCharge Freedom 2000 Battery Case for iPhone 5
- Nike Nike+ FuelBand
- OCDesk OCDock for iPhone 5
- Bluelounge MiniDock (With Lightning Connector)
- Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
- PhoneSuit Flex Pocket Charger
- Olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter for iPhone 5
Recent Articles
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
- Effect of erasing an iPhone on the Find My iPhone feature
1
I used a GPS this weekend for approx. 90 minutes. My white iPhone 3GS was extremely hot, but there was no discoloration.
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on June 29, 2009 at 8:21 AM (PST)
2
My (black) 3GS has gotten awful hot when I’ve left the camera on and auto-lock disabled.
Posted by Dyvim on June 29, 2009 at 8:24 AM (PST)
3
This reminds me of apple’s old iSight camera which always was ridiculously hot when running. The iPhone (old and new) definitely get hot if used while charging.
Posted by JPD on June 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM (PST)
4
I bought a 3GS the day it came out and put on an invisishield as soon as i got it, and by yesterday or so, i looked at the back of the phone and under this invisishield, their are brown streaks and spots all over, very similar to those in the pics above. Do you think this may be from the over heating?
Posted by Andrew on June 29, 2009 at 1:42 PM (PST)
5
When I use my iPhone on the battery it gets HOT and drains the battery in a few hours . I allready removed a GPS app and disabled the 3G network, did a restore but nothing helps ! The phone also cannot find my Airport extreme station wich is clearly visible on my colleague’s old 3G ! Black 3Gs 32G.
Posted by Eric on June 30, 2009 at 11:29 AM (PST)
6
I have a 3GS and the same thing happened to me while using google maps and the compass feature on it. My unit actually had a slight smell to it and was very hot.
Posted by Jason on July 1, 2009 at 3:25 AM (PST)