Enthusiastrophysicist cools iPhone 18 Pro with La Croix can, sees performance boost

can a cold drink really replace proper cooling solutions

On September 26, 2026, tech enthusiast Matt Birchler conducted an informal experiment by placing a chilled can of La Croix sparkling water against the rear of an i Phone 18 Pro. The test aimed to measure whether passive cooling from a cold beverage could mitigate thermal throttling during intensive use. Birchler reported a noticeable improvement in sustained performance after applying the cold can for several minutes.

The i Phone 18 Pro, like its predecessors, tends to heat up under prolonged workloads such as gaming or video rendering, triggering Apple’s thermal management systems to reduce processor speeds. Birchler used benchmarking software to compare performance before and after cooling, observing that sustained frame rates and processing throughput increased by approximately 25% when the device was kept cooler with the La Croix can. He noted that the aluminum chassis of the phone conducted the cold effectively, delaying the onset of throttling.

could other beverages yield better results

While the results were surprising, Birchler emphasized that this method is not a substitute for engineered thermal solutions like vapor chambers or active cooling fans. The cooling effect was temporary and dependent on the drink retaining its chill, which lasted only as long as the can stayed cold. He acknowledged that condensation posed a minor risk, though no moisture damage occurred during the test. Still, the experiment highlighted how external temperature significantly influences smartphone performance ceilings.

Birchler speculated that drinks with higher thermal mass or lower starting temperatures—such as a frozen soda can or even a chilled Red Bull—might offer greater or longer-lasting cooling effects. However, he cautioned against using sugary or acidic beverages due to potential residue or spill hazards. He suggested that future informal tests could compare various cooled containers to determine optimal passive cooling attributes for mobile devices.

Is this method safe for regular use? Birchler confirmed that brief contact with a cold, dry can poses no risk to the i Phone 18 Pro’s exterior or internal components, as long as no liquid enters ports or seams. He advised against leaving wet cans attached for extended periods to avoid condensation buildup.

frequently asked questions

Does this void the warranty? Apple’s warranty does not cover damage from liquid exposure, but Birchler stressed that using a sealed, cold can without opening it or allowing moisture ingress does not constitute liquid damage under standard terms. The test involved only external, dry contact.

Will Apple adopt similar cooling tricks in future models? While unlikely to incorporate beverage cooling, Apple continues to invest in internal thermal architecture. Birchler noted that such experiments underscore user demand for better sustained performance, which may influence future heat dissipation designs in Pro-series i Phones.