Apple pours cold water on iPad heat concerns

With the amount of additional processing power it’s packing, there’s little wonder Apple’s new iPad generates a little more heat than its predecessor.

However, the gripes from consumers about the device’s running temperature have become significant enough for Apple to issue a statement attempting to cool off the growing dissent.

"The new iPad delivers a stunning retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications,” the statement reads.

"If customers have any concerns they should contact AppleCare.”

Independent website Consumer Reports has tested the new iPad using a thermal imaging camera and found it reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) after running Infinity Blade II for about 45 minutes, uninterrupted and while plugged into a power supply.

This equates to 12 degrees Fahrenheit (6.7 degrees Celsius) hotter than the iPad 2 in the same test. Ambient temperature in the room was about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 degrees Celsius), and Apple recommends not using the device in environments over 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

"During our tests, I held the new iPad in my hands,” the tester, Donna Tapellini, writes.

"When it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period.”

The new iPad goes on sale on Friday, although The Warehouse will take orders for a handful of parallel imported models today.