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Are there any Mini users who are not having this issue?
I have a feeling there are many users who have the issue but they don't realize it...swipe up to unlock mostly works consistently but they haven't tried the flashlight yet or don't have to unlock using the codes too often. They may see that the phone isn't as responsive but not enough to bother them, or maybe they don't use their thumbs.
 
I have a feeling there are many users who have the issue but they don't realize it...swipe up to unlock mostly works consistently but they haven't tried the flashlight yet or don't have to unlock using the codes too often. They may see that the phone isn't as responsive but not enough to bother them, or maybe they don't use their thumbs.
Or no case no screen protector
 
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Mine is near unusable with any thicker cases, finicky with thinner ones. When I had the leather case on I missed 2 calls last night. I really don't want to go caseless (partially because the mounts I keep my phone in to accept calls at my desk and in the car need a case on this phone to not fall out constantly) so if there's no software fix then I might have to return it. It's a shame too because other than this it's an excellent piece of hardware.

What about using a case and not using a screen protector? That should solve your issue.
 
What about using a case and not using a screen protector? That should solve your issue.
Worth a try for the time being, I'd be curious to see if any solutions are found to keep some protection without causing this issue.
 
So as someone who just bought a case and a screen protector in anticipation of ordering a mini...

Does this issue happen at all if the user just puts a case without a screen protector?

I would rather have a case with a tall lip like an Otterbox Commuter or Symmetry (the ones I bought to try out) versus having only a screen protector. That's how I've been running my iPhone 7 for years now and there's no scratches on the screen to speak of.

I've just been hearing so much about the scratches on the 12 which is why I considered a screen protector this time.
 
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So as someone who just bought a case and a screen protector in anticipation of ordering a mini...

Does this issue happen at all if the user just puts a case without a screen protector?

I would rather have a case with a tall lip like an Otterbox Commuter or Symmetry (the ones I bought to try out) versus having only a screen protector. That's how I've been running my iPhone 7 for years now and there's no scratches on the screen to speak of.

I've just been hearing so much about the scratches on the 12 which is why I considered a screen protector this time.

No, because your finger makes direct contact with the screen. If you don't use a screen protector, you'll be fine.
 
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I have a feeling there are many users who have the issue but they don't realize it...swipe up to unlock mostly works consistently but they haven't tried the flashlight yet or don't have to unlock using the codes too often. They may see that the phone isn't as responsive but not enough to bother them, or maybe they don't use their thumbs.

My swipe to unlock works perfectly without a screen protector.....guess I‘m lucky that I’ve never needed one and don’t consider them necessary. I’ve dropped my phones many times with a case on and never cracked a screen yet.

I’m coming from an OG SE but the flashlight and camera SEEM to work as designed......you press, and after a brief pause you feel a haptic response, hear a click, and the flashlight or camera functions. I can make the buttons fluctuate without functioning with a quick touch, but it’s clearly not designed to work with a quick press. Is this what people are calling a defect because it‘s not operating as quickly as they want it to?
 
Just called apple. The first guy told me I‘m not the only one who called because of this issue. Secondo adviser tried to say it could be related to the fact that I‘m using a third part case and not the original one. Told her that the same issue happens with the original case. She then asked to do a phone reset but told her that I will do it only if it really helps otherwise not because it would cost me 2-3 hours. She didn’t insist. She will investigate and call me back.

Anybody that calls in should just tell them that you've already tried a hard reset so they don't go through the canned recommendations. Also, the third party case line is ridiculous.
 
My swipe to unlock works perfectly without a screen protector.....guess I‘m lucky that I’ve never needed one and don’t consider them necessary. I’ve dropped my phones many times with a case on and never cracked a screen yet.

I’m coming from an OG SE but the flashlight and camera SEEM to work as designed......you press, and after a brief pause you feel a haptic response, hear a click, and the flashlight or camera functions. I can make the buttons darken without functioning with a quick touch, but it’s clearly not designed to work with a quick press. Is this what people are calling a defect because it‘s not operating as quickly as they want it to?

It works 100% fine without a screen protector. Not trying to be rude, but that's been repeated dozens of time in this thread. :)

The issue is contact with the phone. If your skin touches the frame, the screen (w/o a protector) or the camera lens housing, the grounding kicks in and the lock screen responds appropriately. Otherwise it's messed up to varying degrees.
 
Are there any Mini users who are not having this issue?

This forum, and other online forums, represent a tiny segment of the population. The fact that we're seeing at least hundreds of people report this problem online 3 days after release tells me that while it might not be every single case, it's a widespread issue. For every 100 people that comment about the issue, there are probably another 100 that have the issue but don't comment about it.

It's also a problem that is subtle at times, so there's likely another group of the population that hasn't noticed the issue.
 
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It works 100% fine without a screen protector. Not trying to be rude, but that's been repeated dozens of time in this thread. :)

The issue is contact with the phone. If your skin touches the frame, the screen (w/o a protector) or the camera lens housing, the grounding kicks in and the lock screen responds appropriately. Otherwise it's messed up to varying degrees.

Except that at least one person in this thread is reporting no trouble with both a case and a screen protector, and you raised the issue of the flashlight (and presumably camera) buttons. I therefore was trying to see if there maybe more than one issue at hand, and if a designed delay of a microsecond was being lumped into the slide to unlock problem.
 
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Except that at least one person in this thread is reporting no trouble with both a case and a screen protector, and you raised the issue of the flashlight (and presumably camera) buttons. I therefore was trying to see if there maybe more than one issue at hand, and if a designed delay of a microsecond was being lumped into the slide to unlock problem.
Fair point, sorry about that. I was mainly responding to your first sentence, which has been the common theme throughout (that it works fine without a screen protector). You bring up a good point about the flashlight and camera shortcuts, but they go from a slight delay to completely unresponsive in this scenario, unless you touch them ever so lightly where just a tiny portion of your skin is touching the screen.
 
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Just called apple. The first guy told me I‘m not the only one who called because of this issue. Secondo adviser tried to say it could be related to the fact that I‘m using a third part case and not the original one. Told her that the same issue happens with the original case. She then asked to do a phone reset but told her that I will do it only if it really helps otherwise not because it would cost me 2-3 hours. She didn’t insist. She will investigate and call me back.
Tell her reset didn’t help nor did using recovery mode and setting up as new.

This was a problem right out of the box.
 
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I have the ESR screen protector and clear case on my 12 Mini.
Same unresponsive touch issue with lock screen pin entry.
The phone does not register my thumb input at all, need to either use index finger or touch the camera housing.

This is only happens with the case on. Touch response is fine without using the case.

Hopefully Apple can release a software update to fix this.
 
The fact is that we don’t use the same gesture on the screen. The issue is practically transparent if your nail touch it. For example many women has long nails...
 
The ESR and Belkin screen protectors are the ones being mentioned a ton in this thread. I think those are much thicker than others and are probably not fitting properly combined with a case. How much space is left on the outer edges?
 
The ESR and Belkin screen protectors are the ones being mentioned a ton in this thread. I think those are much thicker than others and are probably not fitting properly combined with a case. How much space is left on the outer edges?
If you have a case, none. And therein lies the problem. Case and protector removes any contact with the metal parts of the phone.
 
The ESR and Belkin screen protectors are the ones being mentioned a ton in this thread. I think those are much thicker than others and are probably not fitting properly combined with a case. How much space is left on the outer edges?
I think ESR was popular because of Amazon (cheap, known to typically work and fit well) and Belkin being sold at Apple Stores, so that's why they're showing up a lot. With all of my cases, ESR leaves about a 1mm gap between the lip of the case and the screen protector. I was originally concerned the case + screen protector was creating pressure, but the two don't touch.

There's a lot of "my phone is fine" posts on this thread and Reddit, but the users are not using a screen protector and/or case. Overwhelmingly, the data points show that it's when you're using both a screen protector and case together (and not touching metal or charging).

I'm curious if anyone is out there with a case and a different screen protector (not Belkin, not ESR, not Spigen) not having issues.

I know the obvious fix is to ditch one or the other, but this would be the first phone in years that I'd have to do that. While the screens have gotten stronger from a shatter-resistance standpoint, they still scratch and I'd much rather a replaceable $10-$20 piece glass take that damage.

Engadget has an article about it

I'm a little frustrated that Engadget and others aren't mentioning the screen protector+case aspect, which makes it sound more like a defective batch of phones. Considering one could go to an Apple Store (or, let's be honest, any carrier store) and buy both with the expectation they'd play nicely should make this rather apparent outside of our little corner of the web.
 
Been using with Apple silicone case the past few days..everything fine. Finally put on my screen protector this morning and have the lock screen issue. I’ll call Apple this afternoon.
 
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I think ESR was popular because of Amazon (cheap, known to typically work and fit well) and Belkin being sold at Apple Stores, so that's why they're showing up a lot. With all of my cases, ESR leaves about a 1mm gap between the lip of the case and the screen protector. I was originally concerned the case + screen protector was creating pressure, but the two don't touch.

There's a lot of "my phone is fine" posts on this thread and Reddit, but the users are not using a screen protector and/or case. Overwhelmingly, the data points show that it's when you're using both a screen protector and case together (and not touching metal or charging).

I'm curious if anyone is out there with a case and a different screen protector (not Belkin, not ESR, not Spigen) not having issues.



I'm a little frustrated that Engadget and others aren't mentioning the screen protector+case aspect, which makes it sound more like a defective batch of phones.
Yes I’ve mentioned in this thread twice now that I’m not having issues with using a screen protector combined with either a genuine Apple MagSafe Baltic Blue leather case or a Peel ultra-case.

This is the screen protector I have:

***** Compatible with iPhone 12 mini Screen Protector, Screen Protector replacement for iPhone 12 mini Tempered Glass 5.4 inch(3 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CV1TVF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_R0PSFbYNWDWH6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 
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My Pitaka case just arrived and I can confirm that the Pitaka case somewhat remedies this issue. Since it has cutouts for the ports, if you rest your pinky on the exposed metal of the bottom of the phone the thumb presses register properly. I can also now swipe to answer calls with my thumb. As a side note I also appreciate the fact that your finger doesn't run into a ridge from the case when you're swiping up and pressing the side buttons seems much easier. Kind of on the pricey side though.
 
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