iOS 26 Issues Explained: What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

Watchos 26 smart stack feature showing personalized watch face

Introduction: The Hype and Reality of iOS 26

Apple’s iOS 26 launched on September 15, 2025, with much fanfare, boasting a stunning new design, enhanced Apple Intelligence, and updates across core apps like Phone, Messages, Wallet, and CarPlay. Users were excited about the fresh "Liquid Glass" look and smart features aiming to improve everyday iPhone use. However, as with many major updates, iOS 26 has also brought along some notable issues and bugs that have affected user experience. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common iOS 26 problems, Apple’s response, and what steps you can take to mitigate these issues.

What Are the Main iOS 26 Issues?

Despite its sleek overhaul and promising features, iOS 26 has been causing headaches for many iPhone users, especially on the newer models. Here are the primary problems reported so far:

1. Overheating and Performance Freezes

Many users have reported that their iPhones become unusually hot during regular use after updating to iOS 26. This overheating sometimes leads to freezing or unresponsive screens, disrupting workflows and app usage. The issue appears more common on recent iPhone models, possibly due to how the new Apple Intelligence processes tasks in the background.

2. Camera Problems — Distorted Images

Apple has officially confirmed a bug affecting the camera on some devices running iOS 26, where photos occasionally come out distorted or blurry. This issue compromises the quality of pictures, frustrating users who rely on iPhone’s renowned camera capabilities.

3. Battery Drain and Adaptive Power Management Glitches

While iOS 26 introduces an adaptive power feature designed to extend battery life by tweaking performance during high usage (like gaming), some users report that their battery drains faster than usual. The power management system sometimes miscalculates, leading to inconsistent battery performance.

4. Messages App Filters Acting Up

New filters in the Messages app, such as those for spam, unknown senders, and drafts, are a useful addition. However, some users experience glitches where messages fail to appear correctly in these filtered views, or notifications behave erratically.

5. Compatibility and App Crashes

Since iOS 26 brings substantial system changes, a handful of third-party apps have shown compatibility issues, crashing or freezing unexpectedly. This is typical with major OS upgrades but is particularly frustrating when it affects everyday apps.

Why Are These Issues Happening?

iOS 26 is a major leap from iOS 18 due to Apple’s new versioning scheme and the introduction of many under-the-hood system enhancements. The ambitious redesign and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence mean more complex background processes, which can expose or create bugs, especially on older hardware or apps not yet optimized for the new system.

Moreover, new features like the adaptive power system rely on real-time monitoring of device usage, which can be tricky to calibrate perfectly from the start. Camera distortions likely stem from the new software algorithms interacting with hardware in ways Apple had not predicted.

How Is Apple Responding?

Apple has acknowledged several of the critical issues, particularly the camera distortions and overheating problems. According to reports, a patch update, iOS 26.0.1, is in development and expected to roll out very soon to address these bugs.

Apple’s official support pages also highlight ongoing security and performance improvements aimed at stabilizing the new system across devices. The company typically prioritizes rapid fixes within weeks of a major release, so users can expect improvements soon.

What Can You Do Now? Practical Tips to Manage iOS 26 Issues

While waiting for official fixes, here are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of these problems:

Restart and Update Regularly

A simple restart can temporarily resolve many freezing or lag issues. Also, keep an eye out for incremental updates (like iOS 26.0.1) from Apple and install them promptly.

Manage Background Activity

Limit intensive background processes by closing unused apps and disabling unnecessary location or background app refresh settings to reduce overheating and battery drain.

Temporary Camera Workarounds

For camera issues, try restarting the camera app or rebooting your device before taking photos. Avoid using third-party camera apps until Apple releases the fix.

Monitor Battery Usage

Check battery usage stats in Settings to identify apps consuming excessive power. You can also enable Low Power Mode to extend battery life temporarily.

Use Messages Filters with Caution

If you notice missed messages or glitches in filters, consider turning off these filters until they are more stable or using the standard inbox view.

Backup Your Data

Before installing any iOS update, always back up your data via iCloud or iTunes to avoid loss if you need to restore your device.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect From iOS 26 Updates

Apple’s track record suggests that the coming iOS 26.0.1 update will mostly focus on bug fixes, particularly for overheating, camera, and battery-related issues. As developers update their apps to support iOS 26, expect better stability and fewer crashes.

Additionally, Apple is likely to release further incremental updates refining the new design and features like the adaptive power system and Messages filters based on user feedback.

Should You Upgrade to iOS 26 Now?

If you rely heavily on your iPhone for photography or critical apps, it might be wise to wait a couple of weeks for the initial bug fixes before upgrading. However, if you’re eager to enjoy the fresh design and new features like enhanced Apple Intelligence and CarPlay improvements, upgrading is reasonable—just be prepared to apply patches as they arrive and use the tips above to mitigate issues.

iOS 26 brings exciting innovations and a fresh look but also some growing pains typical of ambitious OS updates. Staying informed and proactive will help you enjoy the best of what iOS 26 has to offer while minimizing frustration from its current issues.

For official updates and the latest iOS 26 downloads, visit Apple’s website. If you want to upgrade your iPhone to the latest model optimized for iOS 26, check out the iPhone 17 on Amazon.in or Flipkart India.

Ready to dive into iOS 26? Have you faced any issues we missed? Drop your experiences or questions below!