Apple’s iOS 16 Still Buggy, Causes Issues Despite Dec. 13 Update

Apple's iOS 16 isn't getting any better than it should be.

Some iOS 16 users are still reporting an unusually buggy experience while using Apple's iOS 16, as updating their iOS to the latest version may have worsened the situation with new issues.

Apple released iOS 16 on Sept. 12, 2022, adding new features such as a personalized lock screen, focus filters, unsend and edit messages, a "lockdown mode," and Pay Later.

Apple iOS 16 and 16.2 Issues

Users of Apple's iOS 16 and its latest update, iOS 16.2, are complaining about an unusual amount of bugs and poor system performance, per Macrumors. Some of them said they were experiencing Spotlight search glitches, while others found that their keyboard was missing when they wish to type something.

Others found that their phone is draining their battery faster than usual, or that their camera app keeps on freezing. Issues with Focus modes, bugs with Apple Music, HomeKit accessories malfunctioning, and glitches when CarPlay is in use aren't unheard of, either.

All these reports came from just Twitter. Reddit users with iOS 16.2 posted that apps kept on freezing after they were opened or crashed entirely while in use.

Interestingly, even Apple's latest iPhone, the iPhone 14 and its Pro models, are also experiencing the same amount of bugs and issues stemming from its use of iOS 16. iPhone 14 uses found a notable amount of lag when they close out of an app instead of a smooth transition.

Deal N Tech added that iOS 16.2 caused AirPods cases to show 0% battery, show blank widgets, home and lock screens, and even issues with cellular data and signal reception. Furthermore, the publication found that iOS 16.2 display horizontal lines on the screen for some users, and that calls automatically switch to the speaker and mute for some reason.

iOS 16.2 Issue Solutions

Thankfully, Apple is aware of these issues and is taking steps to fix them as soon as possible. For example, the company withdraw its overhauled Home app that promised a "faster, more reliable HomeKit performance" due to the bad user experience it provides.

While Apple has yet to release a software update fixing these issues, users can work around these problems by themselves in the meantime. Those complaining about iOS 16.2 draining their battery too fast can turn off Background App Refresh and Location Service to stem the drain. Meanwhile, those who find their apps crashing when opened or in use can update or reinstall the affected apps.

Although downgrading to an earlier iOS version can solve these problems, doing so is now impossible because Apple stopped signing them on, per Gotta Be Mobile. These software updates include the recently signed-off iOS 16.1.2 and its predecessors, meaning users can't go back to using the latest iOS 15 software.

Here's hoping that Apple includes fixes to these problems with its upcoming iOS 16.3 update, which is currently in beta testing and is planned for release sometime later in 2023.