Many users of the iPhone 16 Pro are encountering frustrating issues with their devices, especially since upgrading to iOS 18. Initial experiences with the phone were smooth for some users, but for others, the first setup was marred by freezing glitches that necessitated a complete restart. Users express concern over potential data loss due to these interruptions, which set the tone for ongoing frustrations with the device.
As weeks pass, reports of non-responsive screens are becoming a common theme. Many users need to hit the lock button and go through an unlocking process, only to encounter unresponsive screens again. Issues have arisen in various applications, notably the camera and Mail apps. Despite moving from beta versions to the stable iOS 18 release, these problems persist.
A review of discussions in the Apple Community forums and Reddit reveals a prevailing pattern around two critical issues: overheating and random freezing, particularly in the camera app. Some users report unpredictable restarts that occur without any forewarning, disrupting their usage unexpectedly. One user commented, “In the process of using it, it suddenly went black,” highlighting the randomness of these restarts.
Interestingly, the problem of random restarts is not isolated to those using beta software; even users with stable builds of iOS 18 face these intrusive disruptions, with some experiencing multiple restarts daily. Users have described significant lag throughout the interface, and certain UI animations exhibit glitches that fail to resolve even after restarting the device. Notably, attempts to use the Power + volume button shortcut for restarting are reportedly ineffective, leaving users frustrated.
The camera app is facing considerable criticism among early adopters of the iPhone 16 Pro. Users have reported numerous instances where the camera freezes during zoom adjustments or when attempting to lock focus, leading to app crashes during the routine task of taking photos. One user recounted their struggle with capturing images, noting, “I have found that when I try to take pictures with my iPhone 16 Pro Max, it won’t take pictures and the Camera app crashes.” This instability in the camera app raises doubts as to whether the much-touted audio mixing feature exacerbates the problem.
Beyond the camera app itself, issues seem to surface across various applications. The integrated camera functionality in other apps like Messages and Photos also exhibits stuttering and sometimes leads to screen lock problems. Reports indicate that while editing Live Photos, users experience app closures that discard any progress made midway through the process. In some instances, recording 4K or ultrawide videos has triggered significant disruptions.
Some users have even reported that switching key photos while editing Live Photos can cause malfunctions. “So, I’m on my second iPhone 16 Pro within five days and still having the same issue,” lamented one frustrated owner, emphasizing that force resetting the device does not alleviate the ongoing troubles.
The effects are not limited to the camera application; users have identified problems in other native apps, such as Settings and Siri, alongside failures in third-party applications like Amazon. One post on the Apple forum revealed concerning behavior, stating, “The settings app just turns black and then crashes. Multiple times the whole phone restarts.”
Keyboard lag is another issue that has frustrated users, with some noting that the on-screen keyboard occasionally fails to register keystrokes. This bug can severely hinder productivity for those who rely heavily on their phones for note-taking or document drafting.
At present, it remains unclear whether the persisting issues stem from a faulty software update or bug-laden applications. Apple has not yet acknowledged these widespread concerns, nor have they provided a timeline for fixing the problems through a software update. Users will need to remain vigilant and hope for a resolution soon.
As the year comes to a close, with flagship smartphones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro also hitting the market, questions arise about the performance of the iPhone 16 Pro in comparison to competitors. Both devices showcase impressive designs and capabilities, but it may soon be revealed which can deliver better camera performance amid these technical challenges.