Consumer Reports: New iPad Runs Hot

by Mike on March 20, 2012

Here we go, looks like Apple may have a new challenge on the horizon. A few years ago, we heard consumers complaining about reception issues on the iPhone 4, a problem that was eventually known as Antennagate. Now, it would seem that Apple is going to feel the heat when it comes to their new iPad.

Many users that have purchased Apple’s third generation iPad have noticed that the latest tablet does run a little hot and this is even more pronounced when the device is using applications that could be considered GPU intensive. Since these reports started appearing online, Tweakers.net decided to do a little investigate research of their own using thermal imaging. Using this technology, the website was able to compare the heat distribution of both the older iPad 2 and the new iPad and as you can tell from the above image, the new iPad runs a lot hotter.

Apple of course doesn’t seem to concerned by these findings stating that the new iPad is functioning just fine within its “thermal specifications” with the added comment that users who are having issues with their tablet should contact AppleCare. When the iPhone 4 came out, Apple went so far as to deny the findings of independent companies who declared the device as having an antenna issue. Eventually, Apple buckled and offered free cases and bumpers.

The issue with the new iPad does seem to be taking a similar trajectory right now. Even Consumer Reports is getting on Apple’s back stating that an unplugged iPad can reach a temperature of 113-degrees Fahrenheit while one that is plugged in will heat up even more to 116-degrees Fahrenheit. Apple’s going to have a tough time with this issue of overheating iPad tablets and we’ll have to see just how they decide to handle it as the heat intensifies on the Cupertino company.

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