Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 16, was released on September 12, 2022. While the update brings some exciting new features like customizable lock screens and improvements to Messages, it has also come with its fair share of bugs and issues.
Battery Drain
One of the most common complaints about iOS 16 is increased battery drain. Many users have reported their iPhone battery dropping much faster after updating. There are a few potential causes for this battery drain:
- Indexing and analysis after update – The initial update process is taxing on the battery as apps re-index and the OS analyzes usage patterns.
- Incompatible apps – Apps not fully optimized for iOS 16 may use more resources and drain battery.
- Always-On display – The new always-on display keeps the screen partially lit up more often to show widgets and notifications.
- Live Activities – The new Live Activities feature that shows real-time sports scores, rides, and other updates in the lock screen may impact battery life.
While the indexing after an update is only temporary, an overall reduction in battery life by 1-2 hours per full charge has been widely reported since updating to iOS 16. Apple may need to issue fixes for app optimization, refresh rates, and Live Activities to improve this.
Connectivity Issues
Numerous users have experienced problems with WiFi and cellular data connectivity after updating to iOS 16. Some have reported constantly dropping WiFi signals, even when close to the router. Cellular data problems like slow speeds and connectivity drops have also been reported.
Potential factors behind these iOS 16 connectivity problems include:
- Driver incompatibilities – The update may have issues with some cellular modems and WiFi chipsets.
- Configuration changes – iOS 16 may alter some cellular and WiFi settings during the update and cause conflicts.
- Server-side optimizations – Network-level optimizations for iOS 16 are still underway after the software update release.
Apple still needs to smooth out the kinks related to network compatibility. Modem and WiFi driver updates and server-level tweaks may be necessary to improve connectivity.
App Crashes
Many users have experienced frequent app crashes after updating to iOS 16, especially with third-party apps. Some apps like social media apps and banking apps have been crashing repeatedly for users.
Potential factors contributing to app crashing issues include:
- API changes – iOS 16 introduced new APIs that apps must integrate to function smoothly. Apps not updated causes issues.
- Memory limits – Improper memory handling when multitasking with iOS 16 features can cause crashes.
- Conflicts – Some apps may conflict with new iOS 16 features like Live Activities and iCloud sharing.
Developers need to release updates for their apps optimized for iOS 16. Apple may also need to fine-tune memory management for multitasking scenarios. Proper app review and testing should limit major conflicts between third-party apps and iOS 16 features.
Typing Lag
A noticeable lag between typing on the keyboard and text appearing on-screen has been widely reported with iOS 16. This typing lag happens in iMessage, Notes, and various other apps.
Some potential causes of the typing lag include:
- Dynamic island – The new dynamic island feature takes up additional resources, slowing down text rendering.
- Visual effects – iOS 16 adds visually impressive effects like Live Text background blur which can slow text input.
- Memory issues – Memory management with new iOS 16 multitasking may impact typing latency.
Optimizing the new features visually and limiting their resource demands could help. Giving text input processing higher priority and rendering optimizations could also fix typing lag.
Widgets Not Working
Many users have found widgets like calendar, reminders, activity rings, and others have become unresponsive after updating. Tapping on them no longer opens the related app.
Issues affecting widgets on iOS 16 include:
- Placement bugs – Widgets stacked in Notification Center can overlap incorrectly.
- Refresh problems – Widgets not updating with latest info from their apps.
- Compatibility issues – Apps need updates to make widgets work properly on iOS 16.
Apple needs to refine the widget stacking algorithms and presentation logic in iOS 16. Timely data refreshing also needs to be ensured. Developers must release compatibility updates for third-party app widgets as well.
AutoFill Passwords Not Working
Many users have reported Password AutoFill has stopped working properly after updating. The QuickType bar above the keyboard no longer shows suggested passwords when logging into apps and sites.
Some potential reasons for this password autofill problem include:
- Keychain syncing – iOS 16 changes may affect password syncing with iCloud Keychain.
- AutoFill bugs – The AutoFill programming logic itself may have issues on iOS 16.
- App compatibility – Apps may need to be updated to retrieve passwords properly from Keychain on iOS 16.
Ensuring seamless Keychain syncing across devices is key to fixing autofill. AutoFill programming should also be refined by Apple. Developers also need to test password autofill and retrieval for compatibility with iOS 16 security changes.
Unreliable Cellular to WiFi Handoff
Some iPhone users have reported that cellular to WiFi handoff is not working reliably on iOS 16. When getting home or connecting to known WiFi, the phone stays on cellular data rather than switching to WiFi.
Potential issues leading to unreliable handoff include:
- Handoff timing – iOS 16 may fail to check for WiFi networks quickly enough after losing cellular signal.
- Connection prioritization – Cellular may be prioritized over WiFi connections even with good signal.
- WiFi assistant – The WiFi assist feature that uses cellular when WiFi is poor may be overly aggressive.
Optimizing the handoff timing, prioritizing stable WiFi over cellular, and improving the WiFi assist feature could help improve handoffs. More seamless switching between connection types is needed.
Features Missing After Update
Some iPhone users have noticed features they previously had are now missing after updating to iOS 16. This includes features like:
- Siri App Suggestions on home screen.
- Announce Messages with Siri.
- Back Tap for accessibility.
There are a few reasons why some features may go missing during an iOS update:
- Accidental toggling off – The update process may switch some features off without realizing.
- Compatibility issues – Older iPhones may lose functionality not supported in new iOS versions.
- Bugs – Some features may have inadvertently been left out of new iOS versions.
Apple should notify users clearly if previously available features are being intentionally removed during an update. Any functionalities going missing due to bugs should also be addressed quickly with bug fix updates.
Slow 5G Connectivity
A number of iPhone users have observed slower than expected 5G data speeds after updating to iOS 16. This includes both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks.
Some potential factors impacting 5G speeds include:
Extensive 5G network testing is required by Apple after major iOS updates. Carriers may also need to provide configuration updates for optimizing iOS 16 compatibility. Modem firmware updates can also be provided by Apple if needed.
Excessive Storage Usage
iOS 16 has been reported to take up significantly more storage space compared to iOS 15 on the same iPhone models. Many users have seen storage space shrink considerably after updating.
Some reasons for the increased iOS 16 storage footprint include:
- New features – Additions like customizable lock screen require additional storage space.
- Bloated system files – Inefficient compression or redundant files may bloat iOS 16.
- Inadequate cleanup – Temporary update files not being cleared properly after installing iOS 16.
Apple should aim to optimize iOS 16 system file size through efficient compression and removing redundancies. Any unnecessary temporary installation files should also be promptly cleared after updating. A priority on minimizing storage requirements should prevent excessive footprint.
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
A large number of users have faced Bluetooth connectivity problems after updating to iOS 16. Issues like unstable connections, difficulty pairing new devices, and random Bluetooth disabling have been reported.
Potential Bluetooth issues on iOS 16 include:
- Compatibility problems – New Bluetooth drivers may have compatibility issues with certain devices.
- Power management conflicts – New power saving modes may interfere with Bluetooth operation.
- Connection management – Logic for maintaining Bluetooth connections may have bugs.
Extensive Bluetooth testing and incremental driver updates can improve compatibility. Optimizing power management and connection logic can also help improve stability. Apple may need to issue quite a few incremental Bluetooth fixes before connectivity becomes reliable on iOS 16.
Third-Party Keyboard Lag
Users of third-party keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey have experienced severe typing lag and unresponsiveness after updating to iOS 16. The lag makes these keyboards difficult to use.
Reasons for third-party keyboard lag potentially include:
- Insufficient resources – iOS 16 may restrict resources available to third-party keyboards.
- Compatibility issues – New OS hooks and features may introduce problems.
- Memory management – Keyboard app memory allocation may need rebalancing.
Ensuring third-party keyboards receive ample resources and maintaining proper backwards compatibility is key. Keyboard app memory usage may also need optimization specific to iOS 16’s new multitasking capabilities.
Apple Services Not Syncing
Some Apple services have failed to sync properly after users update their iPhones to iOS 16. This includes issues like:
- iCloud Photos not syncing to Mac or iPad
- Safari bookmarks missing on Mac
- Notes not syncing between iPhone and Mac
Potential fixes for syncing issues include:
- Confirm iCloud setup – Ensure iCloud is enabled on all devices signed into the same Apple ID
- Check internet connectivity – Sync requires a steady internet connection on all devices
- Toggle services off/on – Turn sync off and back on for the affected services
- Update other devices – Update Mac, iPad, etc. to latest OS versions
Apple needs to ensure iCloud and service sync compatibility across multiple devices running different OS versions. More robust sync troubleshooting and recovery options would also be helpful.
App Translation Problems
Users who have their iPhones set to languages other than English have reported text translation issues with some apps after updating to iOS 16. Messages, notifications, and menus may display unintelligible text.
Possible causes include:
- Language pack conflicts – iOS language packs may conflict with translated app text.
- Region format changes – Date, time and number formats may not localize properly.
- Hardcoded text – Some text may be hardcoded and require translation updates.
Extensive language testing in the iOS beta program would catch more translation bugs. Apple should also guide developers on localizing apps for new iOS versions. Services like Apple’s App Store Translation API could facilitate timely app text translation updates.
Activation Lock bypass Report
A serious security flaw allowing iOS activation lock to be bypassed on lost or stolen devices running iOS 16 has been discovered.
Key details about the flaw include:
| Issue | Sending a lost iPhone into recovery mode disables activation lock temporarily |
|---|---|
| Models affected | iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini |
| Risks | Allows access to disabled iPhones, breaches user data privacy |
| Patch status | Apple is likely working on an imminent iOS update to address the flaw |
This is a serious vulnerability allowing stolen or lost iPhones to be unlocked and accessed by anyone. Apple has been criticized for security lapses allowing such flaws to make it through to production iOS versions. They need to thoroughly audit activation lock protections and issue urgent fixes.
Summary
In summary, iOS 16 delivers important new capabilities like a customizable lock screen, richer messaging, and seamless sharing. However, the initial release still has some key issues to resolve around battery life, connectivity, apps, widgets, storage, and security. Focused incremental updates addressing these pain points are required to polish the iOS 16 experience. Some pain points stem from the inherent complexity of iOS. Others reflect integration issues with third-party apps and services. With rapid iterations and engagement with app developers, Apple should iron out major bugs soon. But the process may take months to achieve full stability given iOS 16’s sweeping changes. Users eager to upgrade should be prepared for transitional rough edges typical of major mobile OS updates.