iOS 26 problems list: What users are facing and how Apple vows to fix them

The rollout of Apple's highly anticipated iOS 26 update has not gone smoothly, as users take to social media to express their frustrations with a host of issues. Complaints range from overheating and rapid battery drain to glitches impacting essential functions such as calling, app switching, and display orientation. Many iPhone and iPad users are reporting that their devices are running hotter and losing battery life at an alarming rate. One user, @VerdeSelvans, shared their experience, stating, "The device gets hot easily (Apple said this is normal, so I’ll wait and see until next week). Battery life is slightly worse." Tech analyst @nixCraft echoed these sentiments, noting, "iOS 26 isn’t just a poorly executed UI with bugs; it also consumes battery life faster on older iPhones. Apple software quality is going to/dev/null." Additionally, users have highlighted problems with screen brightness and display rotation. @VerdeSelvans pointed out a bug causing the screen to dim unexpectedly, while @JotaTheSlotta complained about issues with rotation, stating, "Anyone having issues on iOS 26 with the rotation when going from portrait to landscape mode? I can’t do it at all on YouTube, Safari or other apps. All settings seem correct." Switching between apps has become a challenge for some, with @Techuchit reporting latency issues: "Updated to iOS 26 and noticed a bug: when switching between apps, there’s a latency. The app icon doesn’t always redirect properly to the app running in the background. #Apple #IOS26." Furthermore, users of iPadOS 26 are experiencing even more significant problems. @ChowaKaumba described their frustrations with an M1 iPad Pro, saying, "iPad OS 26 and iOS 26 are currently a glitchy mess. The windows feature is buggy. I couldn’t use my keyboard properly for hours. It’s basically fried my device." Some users have reported that the update has disrupted fundamental phone functions. @shax_10 lamented, "#iOS26update such a horrible update! Laggy and bug issues can’t make or receive calls, can’t even access the apps without it freezing! @Apple fix this!" Apple has acknowledged the issues, reminding users that software updates are vital for security, stability, and new features. The company recognizes that users might experience temporary overheating or reduced battery life after major releases as the device completes background tasks. Apple assures customers that minor updates, likely iOS 26.1, will be rolled out soon to address these concerns. For now, users will have to wait for Apple's next patch, which typically follows within weeks of a major update. In the midst of these issues, anticipation builds for details on the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including expected prices and features.