iPhone 16 Pro gets very hot during normal usage

Some activities such as charging or a lot of computational activity (e.g., video), generate heat. Some warmth is to be anticipated.* ** "Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.”*** Read this article about keeping an iPhone or iPad within acceptable operating temperatures - If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold - Apple Support

In terms of usage, changes in software such as upgrades or new apps may introduce new features which may add to power drain and heat generation. Check Settings > Battery to see if there are apps running that use a lot of power. If there are, decide if you can turn off a service such as Settings > General > Background app refresh when an app is in the background, or Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Read this support article to learn about the battery health feature —> iPhone battery and performance - Apple Support

If you have just updated system software, read posts about indexing in this thread: iPhone 15 overheating - Apple Community

An iOS update may require subsequent reorganization of files and a short term increase in heat and battery drain until the task is done. Wait a few days and see if the issue persists.

About Apple software updates - Apple Support

says: “Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance. This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.”

If you think there is a problem with a device, have Apple inspect it. Go to this page to find your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) or Apple Authorized Distributor (AAD) --> https://locate.apple.com/country

How to make a Genius Bar appointment

1. Go to Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

2. Go to "Get hardware help".

3. Select your hardware and continue selecting options requiring replacing parts until you see "Bring in for Repair"

4. Sign in with your Apple ID

*"Your iPhone might get slightly warmer while it charges." - from: How to use your MagSafe Battery Pack - Apple Support

** Posts by contributor Lawrence Finch explaining the basic physics. iPhone 15 Pro heating up with protective … - Apple Community and this one about overheating Why is my iPhone overheating? - Apple Community

***Section about "Prolonged heat exposure" in this support article --> Official Apple Support

roeloffrompretoria wrote:

My NEW iPhone 16 Pro, which I bought only 4 months ago, from the box, gets VERY hot, even during normal usage.

I'm not sure how you managed to buy a brand new iPhone Pro 16 only 4 months ago? iPhone 16 Pro was fully discontinued by Apple in September 2025, over a year ago. They sold out pretty much worldwide within days of being discontinued. Open Settings > General > About > Model - does it start with a number like 3 or 5? If yes, you bought a refurbished iPhone, not brand new.