Overnight charging is likely the most common habit among all smartphone users. That’s obviously because nobody wants to wake up to a smartphone with only 5% or 10% battery remaining. However, if you own an iPhone, you should exercise caution when charging your device overnight, as Apple has warned its users against it.
Apple advises iPhone users not to charge their phones under a pillow or blanket overnight
Apple has added a new warning related to overnight charging to its “Important Safety Information for iPhone” support page. If we read it carefully, the brand advises its users not to sleep on the device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source.. It further recommends keeping the iPhone and the power adapter or wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging the devices.
The statement also suggests that users with a condition affecting their ability to sense body heat should take extra care. Apple is issuing this alert for a very clear reason. We should keep our phones and the power source in a place with good ventilation when charging to prevent overheating and other risky conditions. Covering the gadget with a blanket or pillow will cause it to overheat because this restricts ventilation.
Apple further advises not to use any third-party adapters or cables
If we read the advisory further, Apple warns its users against using any third-party power adapters and cables for charging their iPhones. It should be a clear no if the third-party product does not carry the “Made for iPhone” badge.
You can use third-party adapters or cables as long as they have an MFi (Made for iPhone) tag, support USB 2.0 or later, and, importantly, comply with your country’s regulations and other legal standards. Avoiding these standards may have some serious consequences not just on your iPhone, but on your health as well.
While this warning targets iPhones specifically, it also applies to other smartphones. Although a better cooling system, expected in the upcoming iPhone 16 series, may help reduce risks, it will not eliminate them.