An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member for heating
an image on a recording material at a nip; an endless belt cooperative
with the heating rotatable member to form the nip; a pressing pad for
pressing the belt at the nip; and a lubricant application member for
applying a lubricant on an inner surface of the belt, wherein the
lubricant application member is away from the belt when the belt is at a
position retracted from a position where an image heating operation of
the apparatus is capable.