For years, Android manufacturers have been using vapor chambers (VC) to manage the heat generated by increasingly powerful chipsets, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring devices run smoothly. Apple, however, has stuck with traditional heat sinks to cool its iPhones, despite the growing performance demands. But that could be about to change with the iPhone 17 series.
A recent report from China suggests that Apple is planning to introduce vapor chambers across all models in the iPhone 17 lineup, including both Pro and non-Pro versions. This move could help Apple keep pace with the rising power needs of its devices while offering a more efficient cooling solution.
Enhanced Cooling System
Vapor chambers are specialized metal components designed to manage heat in devices. Inside these chambers is a small amount of liquid, typically de-ionized water, which evaporates when it comes into contact with heat from the chipset. This process helps to transfer the heat away from the sensitive components.
As the liquid turns to vapor, it moves across the chamber’s surface, effectively spreading the heat over a larger area. This helps prevent overheating and ensures the device stays cool, even under heavy use. Vapor chambers efficiently manage heat, making them a popular choice for high-performance smartphones and other devices.
The latest report contradicts an earlier claim from well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would feature a vapor chamber cooling system. According to this new information, it looks like all iPhone 17 models, including the non-Pro versions, might benefit from this upgrade. Additionally, there are rumors that the non-Pro iPhone 17 variants will finally get high-refresh-rate displays, though it’s still unclear whether these screens will be 90Hz or 120Hz. Only time will tell what Apple ultimately decides.
