As Europe continues to experience record-breaking heatwaves, warnings have been issued urging people to pay attention to charging safety guidelines due to concerns over fires caused by overheating mobile phones.
Apple warned against placing a charging device under a pillow, blanket, or body, or sleeping on top of it. DALL·E 3｜Graphic by Inwook Kim
원본보기 아이콘According to the Daily Mail in the UK on July 1 (local time), Apple UK recently updated its iPhone user guide on its website and issued charging safety guidelines to prevent fires, as some regions in the UK have seen temperatures soar to 33 degrees Celsius amid the ongoing heatwave.
Apple stated, "Avoid situations where a device that is operating for a long time or connected to power, a power adapter, or a wireless charger comes into direct contact with your skin." The company specifically emphasized, "Do not place a charging device under a pillow, blanket, or your body, or sleep on top of it."
Apple further advised, "When using or charging, keep your iPhone, power adapter, and wireless charger in a well-ventilated area," and warned, "Failure to follow safety instructions may result in fire, electric shock, injury, or even loss of your iPhone or other property."
iPhone exploded while charging battery. Photo by Michuhol Fire Station, Incheon. Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Experts have also stressed the importance of these safety guidelines. Rory Pollard, Managing Director of Firechief Global, a UK-based fire safety company, explained, "Placing a charging mobile phone under a pillow or blanket poses a fire risk," adding, "Heat generated during charging cannot escape due to the pillow or blanket, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire."
He also noted, "Overcharging, such as charging your phone overnight, is one of the main causes of fires in devices equipped with lithium-ion batteries."
To reduce fire risk, he advised, "Avoid charging your device on a bedside table made of flammable materials." While the latest smartphones have systems to prevent overcharging, he recommended charging devices on a flat surface away from flammable materials in case these systems fail.
On July 2, 2025, as a heatwave struck France, people are cooling off at the Trocadero Fountain in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Photo by AFP
원본보기 아이콘Meanwhile, Europe is suffering from an unusually early heatwave. In some southern European cities, temperatures have exceeded 46 degrees Celsius, setting new all-time records for June, and wildfires are spreading in various areas due to the hot and dry weather. In France, outdoor activity bans have been issued, and access to major tourist attractions in Paris has been restricted. Even London, which is relatively further north, continues to experience extreme heat.
