Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup boasts impressive new features, including the powerful A18 chip, a larger 6.9-inch display on the Pro Max, and the innovative Camera Control available on all models. Despite these advancements, early adopters often encounter some common issues. This guide outlines these problems and provides solutions to get your iPhone 16 working smoothly.
A person using the Camera Control on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Andy Boxall / MaagX
Unresponsive Touchscreen
Early reports surfaced about unresponsive touchscreens on the iPhone 16, potentially linked to the Camera Control or the slimmer bezels.
Solutions
- Update to the Latest iOS: Apple addressed this issue in iOS 18.0.1. Ensure your iPhone 16 is running the latest iOS version.
- Use a Case: Cases with raised edges can prevent accidental skin contact with the screen, resolving touch rejection issues.
- Contact Apple Support: If software updates don’t fix the problem, it might be a hardware defect requiring professional assistance.
Poor Battery Life
Reduced battery life is a common complaint after a new iPhone or iOS update. Background optimization and data transfer can contribute to this.
Battery page on the iPhone 16. Joe Maring / MaagX
Solutions
- Be Patient: Allow a few days to a week for background optimization and battery calibration.
- Enable 5G Auto: This setting optimizes 5G usage to conserve battery power. Find it in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
- Manage Screen Brightness: Enable Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size) and reduce brightness manually if needed.
- Check Battery Usage: Identify power-hungry apps in Settings > Battery and limit their usage or background activity (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
Random Reboots
Some users have experienced random restarts, which can be either full reboots (returning to the Apple logo) or springboard restarts (brief screen blanks with a spinning indicator).
An iPhone lying on a wooden table. Mateusz / Pexels
Solutions
- Update/Reinstall Apps: If reboots are app-specific, update or reinstall those apps.
- Forced Restart: Hold the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Reset Settings: Resetting network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings) or all settings can resolve software conflicts.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, try a factory reset and set up as new or restore from a different backup.
- Check System Logs: Look for “panic” entries in Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data to identify potential hardware issues.
Camera App Lags or Freezes
Initial reports indicated camera app lag or freezing, possibly addressed in later iOS updates.
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium. Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
Solutions
- Update to Latest iOS: Ensure you’re running the latest version of iOS, as Apple has addressed specific camera issues in updates.
- Allow Time for Optimization: If using a new iPhone, give it time to complete background optimization processes.
Apple Pay/NFC Issues
Problems with NFC functionality have been reported, affecting Apple Pay and NFC tag reading.
Women using Apple Pay. Apple
Solutions
- Test with NFC App: Use an NFC tool app (like NFC Tools) to diagnose if the issue is app-specific or a hardware problem.
- Restart iPhone: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.
- Toggle Network Settings: Try toggling Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, or AirDrop.
- Reset Network Settings: Reset network settings in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Contact Apple Support: If Apple Pay is affected, contact Apple Support for assistance.
Camera App Opening Randomly
The new Camera Control button can sometimes be inadvertently activated, leading to the camera app opening unexpectedly.
The Apple Music screen on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Andy Boxall / MaagX
Solutions
- Check Your Case: Ensure your case isn’t pressing the Camera Control button.
- Enable Double Click: Require a double click to open the camera in Settings > Camera > Camera Control.
- Disable Camera Control (Accessibility): If unused, disable the Camera Control in Accessibility settings.
