Since its release nearly a year ago, iOS 18 has been a source of frustration for many iPhone users. Reports of performance issues, unresponsive touchscreens, and battery drain have been widespread, affecting a range of devices from the iPhone 14 Pro to the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Performance and Stability Concerns
Users have reported significant performance degradation after updating to iOS 18. Common complaints include app freezes, system lag, and random glitches. One user described the experience as akin to using an experimental OS, noting that apps freeze without warning and the operating system stutters as if it’s running out of RAM. These issues persist across different iPhone models, suggesting a systemic problem with the update.
Touchscreen Responsiveness Issues
A notable problem with iOS 18 is touchscreen unresponsiveness. Users have reported areas of the screen ignoring taps and swipes, leading to difficulties in scrolling, typing, and general navigation. This issue appears to be linked to an overly sensitive touch rejection algorithm introduced in iOS 18, designed to ignore accidental touches but inadvertently affecting intentional interactions. The problem is prevalent across various models, including the iPhone 16 series and older devices.
Battery Life and Overheating
Another significant concern is the impact of iOS 18 on battery life. Users have observed rapid battery drain and instances of devices overheating after minimal use. Some reports indicate that the update has reduced the 120Hz refresh rate to 80Hz, potentially contributing to these issues. The inability to downgrade from iOS 18 to previous versions has left users stuck with these problems until Apple provides a fix.
Camera and Screen Malfunctions
Post-update, several users have encountered camera-related issues, including app freezing, black screens upon launching the camera, and focus problems resulting in blurry images. Screen-related problems such as unresponsive touch inputs and ghost touches have also been reported, further diminishing the user experience.
User Sentiment and Trust Issues
The cumulative effect of these issues has led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among iPhone users. Many feel that iOS 18 has compromised the reliability and polish traditionally associated with Apple’s operating systems. Some long-time users are even considering switching to alternative platforms due to the persistent problems. The sentiment is that iOS, which was supposed to just work, now feels broken for many in 2025.
Apple’s Response and Future Expectations
As of now, Apple has not publicly addressed the widespread complaints associated with iOS 18. Users are hopeful that the upcoming iOS 19 will prioritize fixing these foundational issues over introducing new features. The expectation is for Apple to restore the stability and performance that users have come to expect from their devices.
