New iPad Runs Significantly Hotter Than iPad 2
Following overheating complaints from users, some who say the new iPad even shuts down due to excess heat, Consumer Reports have tested the thermal characteristics of the new iPad when running processor intensive tasks such as gaming and found that the new iPad runs hotter than the iPad 2 – significantly hotter.
They tested the new iPad in a room environment of 22C (72F) while running action game Infinity Blade 2 for 45 minutes. Using a thermal imaging camera, they recorded temperatures as high as 47C (116F). Overall, it was hotter than the iPad 2 by about 7C (13F). At its hottest, it could still be comfortably held in the hand, if not for too long. The high temperature areas weren’t evenly distributed either, as can be seen in the thermal image below. Consumer Reports didn’t report any shutdowns, though. Oddly, the new iPad’s battery wouldn’t charge while running the game, but charging resumed once the game was stopped. Sure the device takes more current when using more power, but the charging electronics and external PSU should be beefy enough to cope, so this looks like penny-pinching by Apple on what is a very expensive device. Consumer Reports have now published published a follow-up FAQ to go with their report.
Might the heat levels damage the device in the long run?
We can’t say. Internal heat certainly isn’t a friend to electronics gear. But companies work hard to minimize it without overly compromising performance. In a statement yesterday, Apple said the new iPad operates “well within our thermal specifications” and invited any consumers with concerns to contact Apple Care.
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