We might only be getting to the start of May, but as the April showers subside and the weather forecast looks a little sunnier, iPhone users are being advised to keep an eye on the Weather app.
While you might think Rule 95 refers to Apple's advice to avoid charging your iPhone above 95%, it actually works in the context of extreme temperatures. Basically, don't let your device get above 95º F...or face the consequences.
It comes as the weather climbs to 29º C and is expected to peak at 30º C (86º F) in the United Kingdom. The Sun (the outlet, not the burning star) reminds us of Rule 35, where Apple states we should keep our iPhone temperature between 0º C and 35º C. As that works out at 32º F to 95º F, 'Rule 95' applies in the USA.
The official Apple Support page writes: "Use iOS and iPadOS devices where the ambient temperature is between 0º C and 35º C (32º to 95º F). Low- or high-temperature conditions might cause your device to change its behavior to regulate its temperature.
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“Using an iOS or iPadOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life."
Temporary issues with an overheating iPhone include slower performance, a dimmed display, and a weaker signal, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures could permanently cook your device. Considering there are fears that iPhone prices might soar to $3,500 thanks to Trump's tariffs, that's a lot of money wasted on a silly mistake.Your iPhone will naturally get a little hotter if you're running it through major processes like trying
to play Resident Evil 4's mobile version, running it all day as your car's navigation system, or even charging wirelessly. Still, Apple adds: "These conditions are normal, and your device will return to a regular temperature when the process is complete or when you finish your activity.
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“If your device doesn't display a temperature warning, you can keep using your device."
When pushed to its limits and heading beyond that crucial Rule 95 zone, your iPhone should warn you that it's getting too hot. You might get a "Charging On Hold. Charging will resume when [device] returns to normal temperature" message, or if things are even toastier, your iPhone will move out of its 45º C/113º F maximum storage cut-off.
Despite Apple having some precautions in place to protect internal components from overheating, we're reminded not to leave iPhones in cars on hot days, place them in direct sunlight for too long, or use features like GPS tracking or augmented-reality apps when the weather is particularly hot.
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To stop your device from overheating, you're told to immediately remove any cases and put it in a cooler place. You can try putting it in airplane mode or turning it off, but ensure it's unplugged from charging and moved away from any heat sources. If you're out and about, putting it in your pocket could provide some form of shade. However, chances are that you'll feel your iPhone overheating if you've got it in your hand.
Given how precious we are about our iPhone battery lives, preventing damage from the elements is an important but easy one.