The recent release of iOS 18.5 has introduced a significant issue for iPhone users: the Screen Time feature is generating inaccurate app usage reports. Users have reported that applications they seldom use, or have not opened at all, are being logged with extensive usage times. In some instances, apps are showing up to 18 hours of activity in a week, despite minimal or no interaction.
User Reports Highlight the Issue
The problem was initially identified by The Mac Observer, which highlighted user complaints and provided screenshots displaying inflated app usage durations. Applications such as Weather, Safari, YouTube Music, and even system tools like Settings have appeared in Screen Time with identical or near-identical durations. Users have noted that these readings do not reflect their actual usage patterns. Several reports indicate that affected apps were closed, yet Screen Time continued to log minutes as if they were still active. This issue is not limited to specific devices or models; affected users include iPhone 12 owners and others with up-to-date systems.
Bug Emerges After iOS 18.5 Installation
According to posts on Reddit, users began noticing the error shortly after updating to iOS 18.5. One user pointed out that all recently opened apps were marked as having been used for exactly five minutes, despite being closed. Another user reported weekly usage totals showing 17 to 18 hours for apps like Weather and Redbubble, which they barely used. Attempts to resolve the issue, such as restarting the device or toggling the “App & Website Activity” setting in Screen Time, have been unsuccessful. No workaround has proven effective thus far.
Apple’s Response and User Concerns
As of now, Apple has not acknowledged the issue or issued a statement. The problem appears to stem from how iOS interprets app activity in the background, but this remains unconfirmed. As reports continue to grow, concerns are rising over the accuracy of a tool many rely on for digital wellness, parental controls, and productivity tracking. Until Apple addresses the issue, users are advised to cross-check actual app usage manually and submit reports through the iOS Feedback Assistant. Screen Time is designed to offer insight and control, but currently, it may be delivering inaccurate information.
Impact on Digital Wellness and Parental Controls
For users who depend on Screen Time for parental controls, app usage limits, or self-monitoring, the inaccuracies could lead to misguided decisions regarding screen use. The bug impacts trust in a feature that is supposed to improve digital wellness. Apple will need to issue a clarification and software correction soon to maintain credibility.
Additional Issues with iOS 18.5
Beyond the Screen Time inaccuracies, iOS 18.5 has introduced other significant issues for iPhone users. Reports indicate that the update is causing battery drain and overheating. Some users have experienced their phones overheating during normal use, such as charging, gaming, or even when idle. Connectivity complaints are also prevalent, with users reporting Wi-Fi drops, loss of cellular signal, and erratic Bluetooth behavior. Typing has become problematic for many, with the keyboard switching on its own, predictions disappearing, and touchscreen lag being reported. Shortcuts are failing to sync, Siri continues to misunderstand commands, and various UI, graphics, and animation bugs have been noted. Camera and media glitches have also been reported, including the camera going black until the phone is restarted and issues with the video player.
User Experiences and Community Feedback
Users have taken to forums and social media to share their experiences with the iOS 18.5 update. One user reported that their phone couldn’t connect to cellular data, with the signal bars loading non-stop. Another user noted that their keyboard recommended words stopped working at random. These issues have led to frustration among users, with some questioning the quality of Apple’s updates. Many feel that the update has introduced more problems than it has fixed, leading to a loss of trust in the company’s software releases.
Potential Workarounds and Recommendations
While no official fix has been provided by Apple, some users have attempted various workarounds to mitigate the issues introduced by iOS 18.5. These include turning off Background App Refresh, restarting the device, re-enabling Screen Time, and turning off Low Power Mode. However, these solutions have not been universally effective. Users are encouraged to report their experiences through the iOS Feedback Assistant to help Apple identify and address the issues. In the meantime, users may consider delaying the update to iOS 18.5 until a more stable version is released.
Conclusion
The iOS 18.5 update has introduced a range of issues that have significantly impacted the user experience. From inaccurate app usage reports in Screen Time to battery drain, overheating, connectivity problems, and various bugs, the update has led to widespread frustration among iPhone users. Apple’s lack of response has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a loss of trust in the company’s software updates. Users are advised to report their experiences and consider delaying the update until a more stable version is available.
