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iPhone 16 Pro Max Touch issues with 16 Pro / Pro Max display

SaveUsBatman said:
a.co

MAGIC JOHN Screen Protector

MAGIC JOHN 2 Pack for iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9 inch Privacy Tempered Glass Screen Protector, Auto Dust-Elimination, Bubble Free, Easy Installation
a.co

It’s pretty popular product cause of TikTok. Simple installation, 2 pack product. It was my first time using this brand.

The new protector I have on, still seems to be better. But it’s not 100% better. Still definitely think it’s software related.
Click to expand...
Yeah I like the ones that have a mesh on the earpiece speaker.
 
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mathieuplante said:
I actually use my iPhone with my left hand already. My middle and ring fingers are hugging the right side of the phone most of the time.
Click to expand...
Is the issue still happening if the camera control is enabled but free of any contact? Like laying it on a surface?
 
SaveUsBatman said:
a.co

MAGIC JOHN Screen Protector

MAGIC JOHN 2 Pack for iPhone 16 Pro Max 6.9 inch Privacy Tempered Glass Screen Protector, Auto Dust-Elimination, Bubble Free, Easy Installation
a.co

It’s pretty popular product cause of TikTok. Simple installation, 2 pack product. It was my first time using this brand.

The new protector I have on, still seems to be better. But it’s not 100% better. Still definitely think it’s software related.
Click to expand...
Though I don’t take too much stock on reviews, this screen protector has some fairly bad reviews and a few good ones.
 
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3Rock said:
Though I don’t take too much stock on reviews, this screen protector has some fairly bad reviews and a few good ones.
Click to expand...
Yeah I should’ve probably looked more into it tbh. But you live and learn lol.

This screen protector does seem to be a little better like I said. But my problem still persists.
 
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ufsj said:
I have a September build and can confirm it is still an issue.

For reference I initially had a Pro Max from Apple (preorder) which had the issue that I ended up returning. Waited until 18.0.1 was released, bought another Pro Max from RedPocket which was backordered initially but just received (built in September). Unfortunately it has the same issue on both 18.0.1 and 18.1 beta 6. I don’t use a screen protector.

It’s most apparent when I’m scrolling through websites or apps such as Reddit (but can happen anywhere on iOS) with a slower and a lighter swipe, same with pressing keys or buttons with a lighter touch. It’s not reproducible every time since the issue doesn’t happen every time. But when it does, it’s usually under these circumstances. It’s almost as if iOS doesn’t detect the touch unless a higher amount of force or faster swipe is registered. I don’t think it’s a standalone iOS issue since my 15 Pro Max works perfectly on 18.0.1. My guess is it’s a hardware-software interaction issue with the 16 screens and iOS. Having to press buttons multiple times is annoying, but the typos make it borderline unusable. I’ve never had so many typos in the 13+ years I’ve been using an iPhone.

Also interestingly enough, I tried the online touch screen test and it detects every swipe and touch, regardless of his slow or light it is.
Click to expand...
that's why I'm convinced that this is a problem with iOS 18.0.1 and the iOS 18.1 beta… because if you do online tests even with minimal taps and swipes, it picks up everything!
 
ufsj said:
I have a September build and can confirm it is still an issue.

For reference I initially had a Pro Max from Apple (preorder) which had the issue that I ended up returning. Waited until 18.0.1 was released, bought another Pro Max from RedPocket which was backordered initially but just received (built in September). Unfortunately it has the same issue on both 18.0.1 and 18.1 beta 6. I don’t use a screen protector.

It’s most apparent when I’m scrolling through websites or apps such as Reddit (but can happen anywhere on iOS) with a slower and a lighter swipe, same with pressing keys or buttons with a lighter touch. It’s not reproducible every time since the issue doesn’t happen every time. But when it does, it’s usually under these circumstances. It’s almost as if iOS doesn’t detect the touch unless a higher amount of force or faster swipe is registered. I don’t think it’s a standalone iOS issue since my 15 Pro Max works perfectly on 18.0.1. My guess is it’s a hardware-software interaction issue with the 16 screens and iOS. Having to press buttons multiple times is annoying, but the typos make it borderline unusable. I’ve never had so many typos in the 13+ years I’ve been using an iPhone.

Also interestingly enough, I tried the online touch screen test and it detects every swipe and touch, regardless of his slow or light it is.
Click to expand...
this is a pretty good description. I have to press three to five times to get the "<BACK" (upper left corner) to register in mail. The X (Twitter) app has terrible scrolling issues. This 16PM screen / touch issue is the *****....
 
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So I picked up my new Pro Max 16 yesterday and at the moment I can’t replicate the touch issues. I don’t use screen protectors but the difference between my original Pro Max 16 is night and day.
This phone seems so much more responsive
 
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mathieuplante said:
I started with the ESR , but they have the rainbow effect and don’t go over the borders that much, so it’s noticeable.

The Torras is pretty good, because it has a black border right on the protector, but it hides a pixel or two on each sides, so I went back to the ESR for now.

I also tried the Belkin, but the protector stayed stuck inside the applicator. I decided to exchange it, and there’s a big delay in manufacturing, maybe to fix that problem.
Click to expand...

I use the ESR and also noticed the rainbow effect at different angles. I thought it was a screen defect at first. Will keep it on until I find a better option.
 
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Just an update, iOS 18.1 Beta 7 seems to have mostly fixed the issue.

I still miss some light taps here and there but the slow swiping/scrolling now seems to be working most of the time. Definitely less typos as well. Still not perfect but way better than before.

Can anyone else with this problem download the latest beta and confirm this fix?

Edit: Spoke too soon, slow swiping/scrolling still an issue
 
Last edited:
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Have the touch screen issues been largely fixed, I've hearing different things. For some yes and for others no. Also been hearing if you disable the camera control the touch screen issues are gone has anyone tried that ?
 
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Omegaman87 said:
Have the touch screen issues been largely fixed, I've hearing different things. For some yes and for others no. Also been hearing if you disable the camera control the touch screen issues are gone has anyone tried that ?
Click to expand...

Disabling the camera control button requires iOS 18.1 beta so I haven't tried it myself.

The touch issues are not solved in 18.0.1. They are far better than 18.0 but not on par with iPhone 15 Pro Max still. I mostly feel it when using the keyboard. Repeating characters or deleting words using the backspace key is often laggy. I also feel that the display is not always reacting to swipes when I am trying to answer phone calls or playing games.

I previously rated 16 Pro Max with 18.0.1 as a 9/10 in smoothness (where 15PM was 10/10) but I have to lower that to 7/10. Most of the time it is very smooth but every now and then it starts lagging, most likely caused by some palm rejection algorithm that is still glitchy.

I am debating with myself if I should try to get my 16PM exchanged for a more recent build. Some users have reported that the issue was solved to complete perfection when they got a unit replacement. What really holds me off is that I have a perfect image sensor in my phone and I don't feel so eager to get one with blue noise at night shots or weird circles in the middle of the photos.

I hate that Apple has messed this release up so bad. It is a true lottery to get a 16 Pro (Max). Luckily Apple Stores are replacing them quickly and without much hassle. I guess it is just to replace until you get one without issues...
 
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I had a launch Pro max with touch issues which I returned but now hearing people with newer builds not having the touch issue makes me want to get a pro max again....but it seems like it's luck of the draw. The newer build pro max I get could have the touch issue.
 
Omegaman87 said:
I had a launch Pro max with touch issues which I returned but now hearing people with newer builds not having the touch issue makes me want to get a pro max again....but it seems like it's luck of the draw. The newer build pro max I get could have the touch issue.
Click to expand...

It is always possible to go to an Apple Store, buy one and unbox it in the Genius bar. Then set it up as quickly as possible without backups etc and test camera+touch issue. If it is not good, then just return it immediately and get a refund.

I am thinking about doing just that tomorrow.
 
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Omegaman87 said:
I had a launch Pro max with touch issues which I returned but now hearing people with newer builds not having the touch issue makes me want to get a pro max again....but it seems like it's luck of the draw. The newer build pro max I get could have the touch issue.
Click to expand...
I picked up a replacement up last Sunday from an Apple Store and I’m not seeing any issues with this one
 
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but to be clear... what kind of issues do you have with the touch? are you sure we're all talking about the same problem?
 
oh no, I didn't have these problems. My only problem is that sometimes I randomly click a part on the display and it doesn't take it (missed touch) and I have to click a second time
 
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