Hot iPads Present Unique Cooling Challenges Compared to Phones
Hot iPads pose a different kind of problem than hot phones. Unlike phones, iPads are more often used without cases since many users keep them at home. They frequently rest directly on a user’s lap, which can make heat issues more noticeable. Additionally, iPads are significantly larger than phones, and the Pro version is often pushed to its limits with processor-intensive tasks such as music recording, gaming, and onboard AI applications. These demanding uses can cause the powerful M5 chip to generate considerable heat, which sometimes forces the device to slow down for safety reasons.
Cutting-Edge Vapor Cooling: A Potential Solution
Fortunately, cutting-edge vapor cooling technology appears to be on the horizon for the iPad Pro. According to Mark Gurman, the well-known Apple insider at Bloomberg, a vapor chamber for the iPad Pro is now “on the company’s road map.” This development could help alleviate the heat concerns for users who rely heavily on their iPads for intensive workflows.
A Heat Problem History: From iPhone to iPad
Heat became a major concern for the iPhone in 2023, likely triggered by Apple’s switch from stainless steel to titanium frames. Reports circulated that the heat buildup was so severe that even iPhone users who normally went caseless felt compelled to use cases—not just to protect their devices, but effectively as “oven mitts” to avoid burning their fingers when handling the iPhone 15.
Apple responded to these complaints by introducing vapor chambers in the iPhone 17. This update, along with relocating the processor for better thermal management, was highlighted as a key selling point in Gizmodo’s iPhone 17 review. Now, according to Gurman, vapor chambers may soon arrive for iPad Pros as well.
The Technology Behind Vapor Chambers
Apple did not invent vapor chambers—Samsung, for example, incorporated them in phones as early as 2019. However, Apple’s implementation is a remarkable feat of engineering. Their vapor chambers consist of a nearly empty gap sandwiched between two ultra-thin wafers of metal, containing a small amount of water that boils inside the device to help dissipate heat efficiently.
Looking Ahead: When to Expect Vapor-Cooled iPad Pros
Gurman notes that the iPad Pro product cycle currently spans about 18 months. This means that an updated iPad Pro featuring advanced vapor chamber cooling could land in users’ hands as soon as spring 2027—promising a cooler, more powerful experience for professional users and enthusiasts alike.
https://gizmodo.com/cutting-edge-cooling-is-probably-coming-to-the-ipad-pro-2000677234