Apple's latest iOS update has been causing significant problems for iPhone users, with reports of touchscreen unresponsiveness and device overheating becoming widespread. As Apple prepares for its upcoming WWDC 2025 event where iOS 19 will be unveiled, the company may need to release an emergency patch to address these immediate concerns.
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Apple prepares to address iOS issues as it gears up for WWDC 2025, where iOS 19 will be unveiled |
Touchscreen Responsiveness Problems
Users who have updated to iOS 18.5 are reporting a frustrating bug that prevents their iPhone screens from responding to touch inputs. The issue appears to affect various iPhone models, including the flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max. Users describe scenarios where tapping interface elements like the X button to close apps fails to register, creating a significant disruption to normal device operation. This touchscreen unresponsiveness occurs across multiple applications, suggesting a system-wide problem rather than an issue with specific apps.
Overheating Concerns
Beyond the touchscreen issues, numerous users have reported that their iPhones are experiencing abnormal heating after installing iOS 18.5. While some temperature increase during intensive tasks or charging is normal for smartphones, the reported overheating appears to be happening during regular usage. This could potentially indicate that the update has introduced inefficiencies in how the system manages resources or processes background tasks, causing the device's processor to work harder than necessary.
Mixed Reports on Battery Performance
The iOS 18.5 update has produced inconsistent battery life experiences among users. Some iPhone owners report no noticeable changes to battery longevity, while others claim to see improvements in their device's power efficiency. However, a significant number of users are experiencing worse battery performance since installing the update. These varied reports make it difficult to determine if battery issues are widespread or limited to specific device configurations and usage patterns.
Additional Bugs Reported
Beyond the primary issues of touch responsiveness and overheating, users have documented other problems with iOS 18.5. These include disappearing app icons and general system lag that affects overall performance. The combination of these bugs suggests that iOS 18.5 may have introduced multiple issues affecting core system functionality rather than isolated problems.
Potential iOS 18.5.1 Fix Coming
Given the severity of these issues, particularly the touchscreen responsiveness problem which fundamentally impacts how users interact with their devices, Apple may be preparing to release iOS 18.5.1 as an emergency bug-fix update. The company typically moves quickly to address critical usability issues, especially those affecting a wide range of users. There is currently no official timeline for when such an update might be released.
Looking Ahead to iOS 19
While users grapple with the current update issues, Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 on June 9. The new operating system is expected to bring significant changes to the iPhone user experience, including the first major redesign of icons, menus, apps, and windows in approximately 12 years. Apple is reportedly focusing on unifying the user experience across iPhone, Mac, and iPad platforms while making navigation more intuitive. The company is also expected to integrate its Apple Intelligence features more deeply into the daily user experience.
Recommendations for iOS 18.5 Users
For those who have already updated to iOS 18.5, several steps can help optimize the experience while waiting for a potential fix. Updating all apps is recommended, as developers may release compatibility improvements for the new iOS version. Users might also want to explore the enhanced Back Tap feature, which now displays a banner message confirming activation. Additionally, iOS 18.5 includes a new Pride Harmony wallpaper that changes colors as users move, lock, and unlock their phones.