September 25, 2026, 2:44 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Users of the new iPhone models 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are currently experiencing an annoying bug: When the Face ID facial recognition fails to recognize a user, the device freezes and automatically restarts after a few seconds. The problem occurs particularly often when users try to open apps such as Passwords or Wallet and Face ID fails. The touchscreen then becomes unresponsive, and the iPhone restarts.
Apple Announces Bug Fix
On social media, users report issues with facial recognition in the new iPhone models. Affected users describe that their smartphones suddenly become unresponsive after failed Face ID attempts and restart on their own a few seconds later.
Apple has since confirmed the issue to “9to5Mac.” The company stated that a software update is expected to be released early next week. It is very likely to be iOS 27.0.1, the first update following the launch of iOS 27. “MacRumors” has already discovered a test version of the update in server logs.
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Pure Software Error
Initially, some users suspected a hardware defect and exchanged their devices at Apple Stores. The suspicion was understandable, as Apple has relocated the infrared camera for Face ID under the display for the first time in the iPhone 18 Pro. However, Apple clarifies: It is purely a software error. Device exchange is not necessary; the update will fix the problem. Some affected users report, however, that Apple has already replaced their devices.
Similar restart issues caused complaints shortly after the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro. At that time, Apple also responded with a later iOS update and resolved the errors.
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Apple Watch Also Affected
Not only the new iPhones are having startup issues. The Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 also restarted unexpectedly after launch. For the smartwatches, Apple has already released watchOS 27.0.1, which resolves the restarts.