Apple issues safety warning to iPhone users over common habit

Apple has issued a stark warning to iPhone users in the habit of falling asleep with their phone.

Details in its iOS 16 user guide highlight the dangers of allowing devices on charge to overheat – such as when placed under a blanket or a pillow.  

Many users charge their phone overnight, raising the risk of falling asleep on a device that is plugged into the mains, perhaps after a long doom scrolling session.

And while the main risk is discomfort or injury to the user due to overheating of the device, the company warns that failure to follow its safety instructions ‘could result in fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to iPhone or other property’.

Writing on its website, Apple states: ‘iPhone and Apple USB power adapters comply with required surface temperature limits defined by applicable country regulations and international and regional safety standards. 

‘However, even within these limits, sustained contact with warm surfaces for long periods of time may cause discomfort or injury. Use common sense to avoid situations where your skin is in contact with a device, its power adapter, or a wireless charger when it’s operating or connected to a power source for long periods of time. 

‘For example, don’t sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.’

The company also warns against using damaged charging cables or chargers, adding this also poses a potential fire risk.

There have been multiple anecdotal reports of iPhone batteries catching fire while charging, and in 2013 Apple investigated the death of a 23-year-old woman from China who died from electrocution after answering her phone while it was on charge. 

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