Apple warns iPhone users to avoid overheating and poor-quality accessories during charging

Apple and experts advise iPhone owners to prevent overheating, use certified accessories, and minimise demanding activities while charging to maintain battery performance and longevity.

iPhone owners should avoid putting their device under extra strain while it is charging, as heat is one of the main risks to battery health and charging performance, according to BGR and Apple’s own support guidance. Apple says iPhones may slow or pause charging when temperatures rise too far, and recommends charging in places between 0C and 35C, away from direct sunlight. The company also advises removing the case if the handset tends to warm up during charging.

The warning is not limited to the environment. Apple’s MFi programme, short for Made for iPhone, is designed to help ensure that third-party accessories meet its compatibility requirements. That makes cable and charger quality a practical issue rather than a minor one. BGR said users should avoid low-grade or uncertified charging gear, because poor accessories can increase the risk of malfunctions or damage.

A second common mistake is using the phone heavily while it is plugged in. Games, video streaming and other demanding apps generate extra heat, which adds to the warmth produced during charging. Apple and the Associated Press have both advised against resource-intensive use in hot conditions, particularly during summer, when direct sun and high ambient temperatures can push devices beyond their comfort zone.

For iPhone users, the built-in Optimised Battery Charging setting is another useful safeguard. Apple says the feature learns a person’s charging habits and delays the final part of the charge until the phone is likely to be needed, which can reduce the time the battery spends sitting at 100 per cent. It is not a cure for bad charging habits, but it can help limit unnecessary battery stress over time.