Before buying a device, it’s a good idea to research any common issues the phone has had since its initial launch. Buying a new phone is a massive investment, especially if you’re interested in a flagship model like the iPhone 16.
Introduced in September 2024, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are Apple’s current flagship phones, sold alongside the premium iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models. With the release being so recent, it’s understandable to wonder if there are any launch-day bugs or issues that are persisting.
While Apple is known for polish and quality, bugs can slip through the cracks and quality testing, especially with the iPhone 16’s new AI tools. Apple Intelligence is still experimental, and in its beta phase, so quirks are to be expected.
In this article, we’ll be covering all the iPhone 16 problems that have been reported since launch. So you can be informed when you decide whether to add Apple’s new flagship to your shopping cart.
The Issues Experienced Since the iPhone 16 Release
Despite the new iPhone 16 receiving rave reviews and making it on various Best Phones of 2024 lists, it isn’t without its issues. There is a list of many common issues users have been facing, which we’ve broken down below.
Frozen screens
A common issue present at the launch of the iPhone 16 was the screen randomly becoming unresponsive and ‘freezing’. Users suspect it could have been the built-in palm rejection algorithm was being overly sensitive.
Durability
Several phone drop tests have been released by popular YouTube creators and various media sites. Findings reveal that the iPhone 16 seems to be much less durable compared to the previous generation of flagship phones.
Camera problems
There have been several claims that the camera app is having problems in iOS 18. Users are reporting the camera app being glitchy and becoming stuttery, especially when trying to take videos. They also claim that the slide feature is extremely sensitive on the new camera control button, inducing unwanted sliding in/out.
Apps disappearing
iPhone 16 users are reporting that they’re finding app logos are disappearing from the home screen. You can still tap and open the app, but the icon is gone.
Overheating issues
Many users are finding that their iPhone 16 is having heating issues. This seems to be happening across various models, including the base model and Pro Max.
Bluetooth connectivity problems
A few early iPhone 16 users have reported issues with their Bluetooth. This includes that their AirPods keep disconnecting, and the phone won’t connect to their car’s Bluetooth.
Have The iPhone 16 Issues Been Fixed?
Fortunately, as you can see from the list above, many of these issues concern the software. Apple has addressed some of these issues, like the frozen screen issue, which was fixed in iOS 18.0.1.
Reportedly, many of the bugs users were experiencing, like the camera stuttering or becoming unresponsive, were also fixed in iOS 18.0.1. It’s important to note that iOS 18 was essentially released alongside the iPhone 16 series of phones.
Bugs are expected when dealing with the launch of new hardware. When new hardware and software launch together, it’s impossible to avoid. Thankfully, Apple has been quick to resolve any issues.
It has only been a few months since the launch of iOS 18 and the iPhone 16, and we’re already at iOS 18.2. In the short time span since the phone was released, it has already received several updates, bringing new features, security patches, and bug fixes.
Apple has also been quick to fix issues with Siri and their new AI tool, Apple Intelligence, which is supported on the iPhone 16. Apple Intelligence is a built-in generative AI system on Apple devices that features writing tools, image generation and text summarisation.
The only issues that Apple might have an issue fixing are the supposed durability issues, as this is hardware and design-specific. This could be due to the iPhone 16 having thinner bezels compared to previous generations. However, It’s important to note that while a few testers found that durability was worse, a group of tests found the opposite, so mileage may vary.
While there hasn’t been news regarding changes to the iPhone 16’s new camera control button, it is expected Apple will update the feature over time. It is a brand-new addition to the iPhone hardware design, so optimising it will take time.
How Refurbished Phones Avoid New Phone Issues
Refurbished phones avoid the issues new phones have at launch in various ways. These include:
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Unlike new phones, refurbished phones always go through comprehensive inspections and repairs. This can also help catch any potential defects or issues that can slip through manufacturer quality control.
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Refurbished phones are also only typically available after a device has been out for a significant amount of time. Between the initial launch of a phone and when it is made available refurbished, manufacturers have usually patched and fixed common launch issues.
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Refurbished phones are often updated to the latest operating software version before being sold. This avoids any bugs or issues, as users will be accessing the newest OS update from day one.
When it comes to durability, phones also receive better third-party support when it comes to protective accessories after the device has been widely available to the public. So, someone purchasing the phone a few months later refurbished will have a larger selection of cases and screen protectors optimised for the device compared to someone buying a new one on launch day.
Benefits of Buying Refurbished
Along with refurbished phones avoiding new phone issues through quality control and new updates, there are a few other benefits of buying a refurbished device. These include:
Cost savings
The main appeal of buying refurbished is that they can be considerably cheaper than their brand-new counterparts. Refurbished phones can be anywhere from 10% to 50% cheaper, depending on the model, condition, and any additional sales happening.
Reduced environmental impact
If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, buying refurbished is also better for the environment. It’s a sustainable approach to purchasing electronics, reducing electronic waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to a circular economy.
Access to premium models
Due to cost savings, buying refurbished can also make it possible to access premium models that might otherwise have been out of budget. This makes it a great choice if you want to experience high-end features without the high-end cost.
Buy The Latest Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
Here at OzMobiles, we stock a wide selection of Apple products, including refurbished iPhones. Our range also now features the latest iPhone 16 series of devices, including the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models.
All the refurbished iPhone 16 devices we sell have a full Apple warranty and are sourced sustainably in Australia. You also get the OzMobiles battery life guarantee, a free 12-month warranty from us, and a 30-day risk-free return period.
Every device in the OzMobiles range goes through an extensive refurbishment process, including the iPhone 16 series. A qualified technician in our Melbourne headquarters checks the devices to ensure they are fully functional and running optimally. If any repairs are needed, only genuine parts from the manufacturer are used.
Save money on the iPhone 16 today and shop refurbished with us. If you have any questions regarding our iPhone 16 range or our refurbishment process, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.
