Some owners of the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are reporting a bug tied to the updated Face ID system that’s causing their devices to freeze, lock up, and reboot. The problem seems associated with iOS 27 and the smaller infrared camera now placed behind the screen near the status bar’s time display.
What’s happening and when it occurs
The issue arises chiefly when attempting to unlock apps or content secured by Face ID—such as password managers, private browser tabs, or other protected features. It doesn’t appear on the lock screen itself. Users describe a scenario where the Face ID attempt fails (for example, by covering the user’s face with a hand), then selecting “Try Face ID Again” leads to the system hanging entirely. After a few seconds of unresponsiveness, the device undergoes a forced reboot and returns to the lock screen.
This behavior has been replicated by multiple users—including at least one European iPhone 18 Pro—and reported across Reddit threads. While Apple supposedly suggested hardware replacement in some support interactions, analysis suggests the fault likely stems from software. An iOS 27 bug affecting other iPhones under certain conditions has also been observed and is similarly expected to be patched.
Why this matters and where things stand
The new Face ID configuration—embedding the infrared camera beneath the display—is a major aesthetic and engineering shift for Apple’s flagship phones. It aims to streamline user experience and design consistency. But such innovations often introduce teething issues. For affected users, the bug isn’t just frustrating—it can interrupt critical access to secured apps.
Currently, there’s no confirmation from Apple that a fix has been released, though the signs point to an upcoming software update. For now, workarounds are limited; users experiencing the issue may avoid triggering the Face ID retry flow until a solution is available.
This developing story underscores risks that accompany hardware redesigns. Embedding visible components like sensors under glass or display while maintaining reliability is tricky. For Apple, pushing out a stable update quickly will be key—not only to resolve this glitch, but to maintain confidence that the iPhone 18’s innovations don’t compromise functionality. We’ll continue monitoring for the patch and what changes it brings.
