Since the launch of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro in mid-September, users have flagged several Face ID problems—some models fail to unlock locked apps, while others reboot or freeze when Face ID is engaged.
In addition to these malfunctions, a number of owners have shared that the Face ID setup process displays a “Face ID Not Available” message. Some also report that the “Require Attention for Face ID” setting, designed to enhance security by checking the user is looking at the device, doesn’t work correctly.
What’s New in the Fix
On September 28, Apple released iOS 27.0.1 to address these issues. If you’re experiencing trouble with Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro—whether unlocking apps, set up workflows, or attention-detection features—installing this update via Settings → General → Software Updateshould resolve those problems.
The Face ID system on iPhone 18 Pro underwent a major hardware redesign: for the first time, the infrared (IR) camera that powers Face ID has been placed under the display. It’s not yet confirmed whether the issues arise from this change or other factors.
Why It Matters
Face ID is Apple’s cornerstone biometric security solution. Problems undermining it don’t just affect convenience—they can compromise access to secure apps and sensitive data.
Issues like freezing or incorrect error messages during setup sow confusion just when users are most reliant on a new device’s core features. Software updates are common first-responses for hardware-adjacent glitches, but if troublesome behavior continues even after 27.0.1, users might need to consult Apple support.
For those who recently picked up an iPhone 18 Pro, installing iOS 27.0.1 may be the fastest way to ensure Face ID works as intended. Beyond that, whether the issue stemmed from the under-display IR camera or another component remains under Apple’s microscope—and consumers should keep an eye out for additional fixes or statements if glitches persist.
Analysis:The rollout of iPhone 18 Pro was ambitious, especially given its first use of an under-display infrared camera. Design breakthroughs often come with teething issues, and the Face ID flaws reported here underscore how delicate integrating hardware, software, and security features can be. The speed of Apple’s response via iOS 27.0.1 shows an awareness of how critical Face ID is to user trust. Moving forward, monitoring feedback from users after this update will reveal whether the new hardware design holds up in everyday use—or whether more tweaks are needed.
