The tech giant took action after some users complained of iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max reaching temperatures of more than 43C during use.
Apple said it had identified the problem as a software bug in its iOS 17 software triggered by certain apps.
The company said in a statement that it was working with developers whose apps had overloaded its devices to fix the bug.
In a statement provided to Forbes, Apple said: “We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity.”
Apple went on: “We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out.”
Apps known to have affected the new iPhone models include Instagram, Uber and the video game Asphalt 9.
Instagram reportedly modified its app last week to prevent it overheating the device. Uber and other apps are in the process of doing the same.
Apple was forced to take action after complaints began surfacing last month on Apple’s community forum about the extreme heat being outputted by iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.
“I’ve had the new iPhone 17 Pro and it’s so hot, it’s too hot to hold,” one user said.
Apple refuted claims by some experts that the overheating was due to the iPhone 17 Pro’s new titanium case which they said might be less effective at dissipating heat than the stainless steel case used on earlier models.
The company also added that the over-heating was not caused by the shift to a USB-C port, required under new EU laws.