A leaked image is making waves, purportedly showing a copper plate that could be part of the iPhone 17’s cooling system. This would be a significant change from the current graphite-based system. The image, shared by Majin Bu on X, appears to depict a vapor chamber – a technology already used in high-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Vapor chambers work by using a small amount of liquid inside the plate. When the device heats up, the liquid turns into vapor, which spreads throughout the plate to dissipate the heat. As the vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid, repeating the process. This efficient cooling method could be crucial for the upcoming iPhone 17, rumored to feature the powerful A19 Pro chip. This chip is expected to generate significant heat, not just from gaming or graphics processing, but also from running generative AI models directly on the device.
The vapor chamber’s ability to manage heat distribution could be a game-changer for the iPhone 17. With the A19 Pro chip’s high heat output, a more efficient cooling system is essential. The current graphite-based system might not be enough to handle the increased heat, making the vapor chamber a welcome upgrade.
For those curious about how vapor chambers work, imagine a small circuit board with a tiny amount of liquid inside. As the device heats up, the liquid turns into vapor, which spreads throughout the vapor chamber to cool the device. As the vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid, repeating the process. This continuous cycle helps to keep the device at a safe temperature, even during intense usage.
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