An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material includes a flexible movable member: a supporting member, having a sliding surface for sliding relative to the movable member, for supporting the movable member; a pressing member for forming a nip with the supporting member with the movable member therebetween; wherein the supporting member is provided adjacent the sliding surface with a projection which is projected toward the pressing member beyond the sliding surface, the projection being extended in a longitudinal direction of the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member is provided at a longitudinal end portion with a cut-away portion providing a projection height which is smaller than that of the projection or providing a portion substantially flush with the sliding surface.