iOS 18 Touchscreen Issues Reported by Some iPhone Users

[MacRumors]

Some users of iPhones running iOS 18 are reporting intermittent touchscreen responsiveness issues, with some devices seemingly ignoring taps and swipes. The problem appears to be affecting various models, including the new iPhone 16 series, as well as older devices dating back to the iPhone 14.

Users on Reddit have reported unresponsive areas on the screen, resulting in missed taps, ignored swipes, and difficulty scrolling or pressing buttons. This behavior is said to be particularly noticeable when interacting with the virtual keyboard, potentially leading to typing errors.

9to5Mac was first to highlight the issue. However, while initially it was thought to be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models, additional user reports indicate that the problem is more widespread and likely software-related. The root cause appears to be an overly sensitive touch rejection algorithm in iOS 18, designed to ignore accidental touches.

Given that inadvertent contact with the screen edges can trigger the system to temporarily ignore all new touches, the thinner bezels on the new iPhone 16 models may have exacerbated the problem, making it easier for users to unintentionally trigger the rejection mechanism when gripping their devices.

The issue seems to occur only when devices are unlocked and in use. Some users have reported particular problems around the new Camera Control button, although it's unclear if this is directly related or a separate issue.

A demonstration posted on Mastodon by user Khaos Tian shows how the problem can be intentionally triggered, providing further evidence that it is software-based. Assuming that is the case, it's likely that Apple can address the problem through a future update, but it has yet to comment on the matter.

Article Link: iOS 18 Touchscreen Issues Reported by Some iPhone Users

 

[DMG35]

No issues thus far on my 16 Pro Max.

Also, cue the annoying “you’re touching it wrong” comment that never gets a laugh but people continue to post.

 

[Godspeed8230]

I am experiencing something similiar on my Apple Watch Series 9 running watchOS11.

 

[frost_horizon]

Had those issues on day 1 with 16PM after I installed screen protector. On day 2 everything started to behave normally.

 

[alphaswift]

No issues on my Iphone 15 Pro Max.

 

[everybodylovesramen]

sometimes my keyboard spams mmmm when i hit enter but then i leave it because it’s funny.

 

[wbeasley]

around the edges my 16PM seems to be a little more rejecting of taps...

even before i added a protector screen.
and afterwards.

 

[antiprotest]

sometimes my keyboard spams mmmm when i hit enter but then i leave it because it’s funny.

Your phone likes you.

 

[Justin Cymbal]

This reason and this reason:

Apple Pulls iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro After Bricking Complaints [Updated]

Apple stopped signing the iPadOS 18 update for the M4 iPad Pro models, which means the new software is no longer available to be downloaded and...

www.macrumors.com

are why I always wait at least 1 to 2 months after the first (.0 version) of any new iOS is released

And also on the intermittent updates (throughout the year) I try to wait at least 3 weeks before I download and install those updates as well

But I think a good rule of thumb is to wait a period of time after these (initial .0) iOS updates before downloading and installing the big September update - in case any problems arise

 

[rotvaldi]

iPhone 15 Pro here I though I was crazy lol

 

[Marty80]

Nothing to report on my iPhone 12 Pro Max.

 

[oneteam]

No issues. PM 16

 

[BorisDG]

I'm browsing few Apple/iPhone subreddits and reading about possible defects.

I own 16 Pro/256GB/Natural Titanium and what I tested so far:

1. No issues with the screen looked on sunlight (seen here)
2. No issues with asymmetrical bezels (seen here)
3. No scratches or marks on the frame (seen here / here)
4. No sharp edges
5. Didn't noticed dust in any of my 3 lenses. I used flashlight from an angle with magnifier (seen here)
6. No dead/stuck pixels (used magnifier) and it took me around 5min to go through the entire screen with red/green/blue wallpapers I did myself.

Nerd info:

1. My unit is with Samsung Display. I saw many with LG.
2. My storage (NAND) is made by SK Hynix (it's TLC)

 

[dannyyankou]

Yes the keyboard is messed up especially. Sometimes you type a letter and it’s gets stuck, and you can’t type it.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Experienced this with a radio button on my 13 mini.

 

[Rayansb]

I'm having major problems with the 16 pro max. The typing experience is horrendous. Keystrokes get ignored the whole thing is just bad. I tried a case on and the problem persists.

 

[MaciekP]

i had to return my 16 pro due to microphone problems wity phone calls and video recording and disconnected mobile connections. Problem with hadndfree via Bluetooth. I dont care IF it hardware or software.

 

[mikegoldnj]

Thought it was just me. Running 18.1 beta 4 and having these touch issues in new 16 Pro Max.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

This reason and this reason:

Apple Pulls iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro After Bricking Complaints [Updated]

Apple stopped signing the iPadOS 18 update for the M4 iPad Pro models, which means the new software is no longer available to be downloaded and...

www.macrumors.com

are why I always wait at least 1 to 2 months after the first (.0 version) of any new iOS is released

And also on the intermittent updates (throughout the year) I try to wait at least 3 weeks before I download and install those updates as well

But I think a good rule of thumb is to wait a period of time after these (initial .0) iOS updates before downloading and installing the big September update - in case any problems arise

Agreed! I usually wait until the x.1 update before updating, but I did update to iOS 18 on release day for RCS. My company phone is a SE 2022 and they won't be moving to iOS 18 until December.

I haven't personally noticed any issues on my 13 Pro.

 

[dz5b609]

Noticed it as well

 

[Porco]

The issue seems to occur only when devices are unlocked and in use.

…So one potential short-term solution would appear to be ‘leave your device locked and don’t use it’… ?!? 🤣

 

[SanderEvers]

No issues on my iPhone 16.

 

[nfl46]

We will likely receive the 18.0.1 update next week.

 

[mustu]

I'm browsing few Apple/iPhone subreddits and reading about possible defects.

I own 16 Pro/256GB/Natural Titanium and what I tested so far:

1. No issues with the screen looked on sunlight (seen here)
2. No issues with asymmetrical bezels (seen here)
3. No scratches or marks on the frame (seen here / here)
4. No sharp edges
5. Didn't noticed dust in any of my 3 lenses. I used flashlight from an angle with magnifier (seen here)
6. No dead/stuck pixels (used magnifier) and it took me around 5min to go through the entire screen with red/green/blue wallpapers I did myself.

Nerd info:

1. My unit is with Samsung Display. I saw many with LG.
2. My storage (NAND) is made by SK Hynix (it's TLC)

How do you check which display it is ?

 

[iceman1000]

I'm on 14 Pro Max, have used it since the beta

The only noticeable touch "issue" I've had is closing out browser tabs. For some reason, I seem to press back into the tab more than I am able to close it

Could just be user error and totally unrelated though 🤣