Apple's iPhone 17: What the heck is a vapor chamber?

No more scalding your precious fingers on a burning up iPhone, as Apple announces a new iPhone 17 Pro cooling upgrade known as a "Vapor Chamber."

A vapor chamber is a modern thermal management system that moves the iPhone's heat away from its internal components and instead dissipates it through the device's new aluminum chasis and unibody design. The wider surface area allows the device to regulate its heat better and thus stabilize its performance, the company explained at its annual launch event, including extending its use over long periods of time shooting photos or video.

But just how does it do that? By stuffing a little bit of liquid inside. As Apple explained, deionized water is sealed inside the attached vapor chamber, which then draws heat away from the high-powered A19 Pro chip.

The new system upgrade was rumored earlier this year, and the technology has been in use by Android Galaxy models for awhile now. Apple designed its own vapor chamber system specifically for its new line of Pro and Pro Max phones, coupled with additions that include a larger battery and speed-charging capabilities.

The new phone will also debut with the company's A19 Pro chip, ProRes RAW options for images, Apple Intelligence features, and the latest Center Stage tool for its selfie camera, in addition to new color ways, cases, and other accessories.