iPad Air M2 - Overheating

It is not unusual for an iPad to become warm when being used - more so when using some types of iPad case. High screen brightness and/or CPU intensive Apps will also create more heat.

The key point is that whilst your iPad may become very warm in normal use, the iPad should not become uncomfortably hot to handle. If your iPad is becoming too hot to hold, there are some initial steps to try before seeking assistance from Apple. Perhaps be mindful that many third-party Apps might not yet have been optimised by their respective Developers.

Begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

My pixel 7 pro drives a higher resolution screen and has 0 issues at 2160p. I have an m1 iPad air and I understand that a large backlight generates a lot of heat but most of the heat is coming from the m1, which can be seen under a thermal camera and it gets really annoying when all I am doing is taking notes or watching something. It will lock the brightness to 50% until it cools down, and anything above it 50% causes overheating in normal use.

that being said this is a product design issue not a device fault

I think you’re downplaying the impact a program like YouTube has on both the CPU and graphics/video processor. This is especially true when selecting highest quality image settings such as 60P and 1080 or higher resolution. HD video creates a lot of heat as a byproduct of the graphics processor.

Another heat producer is the screen. People have a habit of turning screen brightness to higher than normal viewing levels. The backlighting required not only consumes tremendous battery capacity, but as a byproduct heat. What’s hotter a 5 watt bulb or a 100 watt bulb?

iPads have no active cooling, thus rely on the dissipation of heat through the exterior metal case. If you’re using a case this acts as an insulator and prevents dissipation of heat and thereby contributing to the warm feeling.

Just so I know what we’re talking about do you have an M1 iPad Air or an M2 iPad Air? You’ve referred to it as both? When did your purchase your iPad? What is the model number, just so we can avoid confusion.

okeeeeeeeeee... well, contact Apple Support

I have the m1 air (a2588), this post is in reference to the m2, my reply is in reference to the m1. This issue spans across both devices tho