iPad Pro overheating issues explained: overheating while charging, after update, why iPad Pro is getting too hot and how to cool it down.
If your iPad Pro is getting too hot, you’re not alone. Many users report problems like iPad Pro overheating while charging, overheating after an update, or getting hot during normal tasks. Let’s break down what causes it and how to improve the situation.
CONTENTS:
1. iPad Pro overheating after update
It’s actually normal for your iPad Pro to feel warm after installing a new iPadOS update. The device is busy re‑indexing, re‑configuring photo libraries, Mail, Spotlight, and more.
hose background tasks can raise temperature for hours or even a day or two. One user noted during a beta test:
“It was reindexing stuff for multiple hours cause heat.”
Another AppleVis forum observation on iPhones echoes this:
“Battery drain when you first upgrade to a new OS. Give it a few days and battery should go back to working as normal.”
So, if your iPad Pro is getting too hot after update, take heart. It often improves over time as the OS finishes its background work.
2. Apple Pencil & Notes app may overheat iPad Pro
Many Reddit users highlight that writing with Apple Pencil- especially in Apple Notes – often triggers overheating. In r/iPadPro, one person shared:
“I’ve noticed mine does this after using the pencil for a little while.”
They also pointed out:
“Taking notes using concept app and sometimes even notes app heating problem.”
Another thread emphasized:
“Using Apple Pencil Pro and some specific apps using the pencil tends to warm it up.”
So yes – using Apple Pencil with Notes or drawing apps can make your iPad feel hot quickly.
3. Overheating while charging
Users on forums such as MacRumors report that iPad Pro overheating while charging is especially noticeable when the battery level is very low (below ~20 %). It warms up at the start of charging but rarely becomes dangerously hot:
“iPad Pro get warmer but never hot while charging, make sure no apps running in background, Wi‑Fi and VPN are not connected while charging.”
That means it’s normal to feel warmth during charging, especially during heavy charging cycles or when ambient temperature is high, but it generally stays within safe limits.
While charging, you should use Apple’s original charger. Also, avoid using your iPad while it’s charging. On hot days, the iPad Pro may automatically stop charging, usually around 80%, so you can rest assured that the device has a built-in “self-protection” feature when the temperature gets too high.
4. Using resource‑intensive apps or games
Apps like Adobe Lightroom, Procreate, and heavy gaming can push the M‑series chip hard, producing noticeable heat. In r/iPadPro several users say:
“My iPad Pro also drain and overheat quite fast, but only when I open Lightroom. It drains like 1% a minute.”
“Demanding games at 60 fps. I usually have a fan at its back when playing.”
“Procreate, after a few layers the iPad starts overheating issues.”
If your iPad Pro is getting too hot during editing or gaming, those apps may be pushing CPU/GPU beyond light usage thresholds.
Read More:
- iPad Screen Unresponsive? Here’s What You Can Do
- What To Do If Your iPad Won’t Turn On: Some Simple Tips
5. Brightness, cases, and ventilation
Reddit users also point out that high brightness and certain cases can trap heat:
“The display can put off some heat, especially when the brightness is turned up.”
Enclosed folios or heavy rubber cases may reduce airflow. Apple’s own operating range is 0° to 35 °C (32°–95 °F), if ambient heat is high, your device may run warmer.
How to reduce iPad Pro overheating
Here are steps to help cool your device and reduce instances of overheating:
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Wait for 24–48 hours after a major update. Let iPad finish indexing.
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Restart your device once or twice. This can resolve stuck background tasks. Many Reddit users say this helps.
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Close background apps, disable Background App Refresh for heavy apps.
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Lower screen brightness during prolonged tasks.
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Avoid heavy tasks while charging, or charge in a cooler environment, especially if battery is low.
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Switch apps: Some users switch from Apple Notes to Notability or OneNote to reduce heat.
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Turn on Low Power Mode to reduce background activity and CPU usage.
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Remove or replace bulky cases, allow airflow behind the iPad.
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Monitor charging habits: avoid deep discharge below 20 % often.
Summary table
| Situation | Why it overheats | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| After update | Background indexing/reconfiguration | Wait 1–2 days, restart device |
| Using Apple Pencil (Notes) | Real‑time input processing stresses CPU, chip warms | Use alternate apps, moderate usage, lower brightness |
| While charging | Charging draws more current when battery is low, lacking background shutdown | Close apps, charge in cool spot, avoid use during charging |
| Heavy apps or games | High GPU/CPU usage generates heat | Limit gaming, use fans or stand, lower graphics settings |
| High brightness or poor case | Display output and limited ventilation trap heat | Reduce brightness, use ventilated case or none |
Final thoughts
Yes, iPad Pro overheating is a real issue for many, whether it’s overheating while charging, overheating after update, or just getting too hot with Apple Pencil input and notes apps. But the good news is: most causes are software or usage‑related, not hardware failures.
If your iPad Pro is getting too hot after update, the situation will often improve within a couple of days. And if apple pencil or specific apps cause warmth, switching apps or lowering brightness can help.
Apply the tips above to keep your iPad Pro cooler – and more pleasant to use.
