Android OEMs have been implementing vapor chambers (VC) in their devices for years to help keep up with more demanding chipsets and thermal throttling. On the other hand, Apple continues to rely on heat sinks to cool its iPhones, but that is rumored to change with this year’s iPhone 17 series. A new report from China suggests that Cupertino will implement a vapor chamber in all models of the iPhone 17 family (Pro and non-Pro).
Galaxy S24 Ultra Vapor Chamber (PBKreviews)
Vapor chambers are sealed metal components with a small amount of liquid (usually de-ionized water) that evaporates when exposed to heat from the chipset. The vapor is then transferred to the surface of the chamber to help dissipate the heat and effectively cool the device.
iPhone 16 Pro teardown, no vapor chamber in sight
The new report contradicts an earlier rumor from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo which suggested that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will get a VC cooling system. Non-Pro iPhone 17 variants are also rumored to eventually get higher-refresh-rate screens. Whether those panels will be 90Hz or 120Hz remains to be seen.
source (in Chinese)
