If you feel like your MacBook is getting hotter and hotter, there could be several reasons. First of all, most users who complain about their Macs overheating own Intel laptops; the latest generations of these computers from 2016 to early 2020 have been particularly plagued with overheating issues, which we’ll get to later. If you have a MacBook M1 or newer, it could overheat when you put too much strain on the machine, especially if it doesn’t have a fan, like the MacBook Air models.
Still, in general, Macs aren’t supposed to overheat, partly because Apple has tighter control over the hardware and software than most Windows makers. For example, the company claims that its line of computers complies with all temperature limits and safety standards established in the United States and the rest of the world. Not only does Apple urge users to keep their device updated, but it also recommends keeping it in room temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Among Apple’s recommendations for overheating prevention are several things we as owners do with our laptops that we shouldn’t do. This includes using the Mac on a pillow or uneven surface, leaving it in a parked vehicle, or using an adapter that isn’t ideal for the device.
Intel MacBooks get very hot and there’s not much you can do about it
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Three issues plagued Intel MacBooks, particularly these latest models, before the transition. Apple has designed its computers to be as thin and sleek as possible. However, the company left very little physical space in the chassis for air to circulate properly and dissipate heat. Beyond that, Intel’s chips of the time relied heavily on high power consumption and Turbo Boost frequencies, which generated a tremendous amount of heat. Finally, MacBooks would take too long to get the fans up to maximum speed because Apple prioritizes quiet operation. Some internal components would become extremely hot before the fans start working, and by that time the system would already be throttling, resulting in a poor user experience.
The good news is that Apple has solved these problems with its proprietary chips and a new industrial design. Even fanless machines, like the MacBook Air, now stay significantly cooler than their Intel-based predecessors. On top of that, if you still own an Intel laptop, now is probably the best time to upgrade. With macOS 27 due out later this fall, Apple won’t support any Intel Macs, meaning it won’t update those machines to get the latest software features, security fixes, and other upgrades. While macOS Tahoe provided a glimpse into the future of the Mac, Intel users now have to upgrade to a newer machine.
What should I do if my Apple Silicon MacBook overheats?
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For its own chips, Apple uses a System-on-Chip architecture that integrates the CPU, GPU and RAM into a single unit, minimizing power loss and heat generation. With higher energy efficiency, the company is able to push its computers without overheating them. Still, if you have a laptop with an M1 or newer chip that’s overheating, it’s worth checking a few things.
For example, you could push him to his limits. If you check Activity Monitor, you can view CPU activity and understand what’s consuming the most power on your Mac. Of course, if you play demanding games or create 3D models, your computer may heat up, but it shouldn’t overheat. Very demanding AI tasks, or using a Max processor in a 14-inch MacBook Pro, can also cause the laptop to heat up quickly, because the cooling system in a thin design cannot always handle the heat generated by powerful chips.
Usually, updating the Mac to the latest software version, checking the activity monitor, and ensuring good air circulation are more than enough to get it back to normal temperatures, but understanding your Mac’s limitations can make a real difference. For example, while a MacBook Neo isn’t intended for editing ProRes 8K files with multiple layers, it also shouldn’t overheat with a few Safari tabs open, Apple Music playing, and some light photo editing.
