Before you buy any device, even a flagship one like the iPhone 16, it’s a smart idea to research any issues it has had since its initial launch. This article is OzMobiles’ guide to the iPhone 16’s issues, including the problems Apple has already fixed and whether there are any bugs users should still be concerned about.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are Apple’s flagship phones of 2024, sold alongside the premium iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models. 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 was still in its beta phase when the iPhone 16 arrived on shelves, so quirks were to be expected.
Fortunately, Apple has addressed many of the early iPhone 16 problems, such as freezing screens, disappearing apps, camera glitching and overheating, through subsequent iOS updates. While bugs still exist, there are more software patches and other practical fixes out there to fix them.
In this article, OzMobiles covers all of the iPhone 16’s issues since launch, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to add this flagship Apple device to your shopping cart.
iPhone 16 Issues: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Despite the iPhone 16 receiving rave reviews and making it on various Best Phones of 2024 lists, it wasn’t without its issues. Here are the most common iPhone 16 complaints that users had with the model:
iPhone 16 Frozen Screen Problems
A common issue present at the launch of the iPhone 16 was the screen randomly becoming unresponsive and ‘freezing’. This was one of the main iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max problems, as those two models were among the worst affected. Users suspected that the built-in palm-rejection algorithm was overly sensitive. While Apple’s software updates have largely addressed this issue, some users still report occasional screen glitching on iPhone 16 Pro models, which may require troubleshooting measures such as a forced restart.
iPhone 16 Camera Problems
There have been several reports of the iPhone 16’s camera app having problems in iOS 18, affecting the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max the most. Users have reported the camera app becoming glitchy and stuttery, especially when trying to record videos. They also claim that the slide feature was extremely sensitive on the new camera control button, inducing unwanted sliding in/out. Apple has largely addressed the issues through various iOS updates, although occasional troubleshooting such as a forced restart may be required.
iPhone 16 Overheating Issues
Many users have reported that their iPhone 16 seemed to be overheating. The problem occurred on various models, including the iPhone 16 base model and Pro Max. While Apple addressed the bugs that caused the iPhone 16’s heating issues with updates like iOS 18, high heat from heavy use is normal, and there’s no specific defect that causes overheating confined to only certain models.
iPhone 16 Bluetooth Issues
A few early iPhone 16 users have reported Bluetooth issues. The iPhone 16’s Bluetooth problems include AirPods disconnecting and an inability to connect the phone to the car’s speaker system. While reports of this happening existed across the entire iPhone 16 family, Apple never identified a Bluetooth-specific hardware defect and the issue is more likely related to software and compatibility. However, users reported that the issues were resolved with an upgrade to iOS 18.4.
App Icon & Home Screen Glitches
Some iPhone 16 users reported app icons disappearing from the home screen. Apple hasn’t released a single definitive patch to resolve this because the problem tends to stem from issues like low storage or sync delays between devices. It’s also not specific to any model, but it affects all iPhone 16s running the affected iOS version.
Apple also fixed an early bug involving the touchscreen and its responsiveness via iOS 18.1, but intermittent line flickering or brief flashes while unlocking or using the home screen may still affect some users.
iPhone 16 Durability Concerns
Several phone drop tests have been released by popular YouTube creators and various media sites. Findings reveal that the iPhone 16 appears to be much less durable than the previous generation of flagship phones.
The issue isn’t confined to any specific iPhone 16 model and indeed seems to impact any glass smartphone. A screen protector and a sturdy case offer your best chance of protection.
What Apple Has Fixed So Far
As you can see from the list above, many of these issues concern the software. Apple has also addressed many of them, e.g. the frozen screen issue, which was fixed in iOS 18.0.1.
Reportedly, many of the iPhone 16 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 released alongside the iPhone 16 series.
Bugs are expected when launching new hardware. When new hardware and software launch together, it’s impossible to avoid. Thankfully, Apple was quick to resolve the iPhone 16’s faults.
In the short time span since the phone was released, it already received several updates, bringing new features, security patches and bug fixes.
Apple was also quick to fix issues with Siri and its 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 users might have trouble fixing are the supposed durability issues, as these are 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 durability to be worse, a group of tests found the opposite, so your mileage may vary.
While there hasn’t been news regarding changes to the iPhone 16’s new camera control button, it is expected that Apple will update the feature over time. It is a brand-new addition to the iPhone hardware design, so optimising it will take time.
Are iPhone 16 Pro Problems Different from the Standard Model?
Although the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro share certain core software bugs, such as random touchscreen freezing and camera app stuttering, there are also some specific iPhone 16 Plus and Pro issues related to the features and hardware of the higher-grade models.
While some iPhone 16 issues, like the freezing touchscreen and camera glitches, apply to both models, the iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max have had more issues with overheating during intense tasks and a lagging ProMotion refresh-rate limit. But rather than being universal hardware defects, these issues were typically software-related and varied according to the iOS version.
Is the iPhone 16 Still Worth Buying?
Yes. The iPhone 16 absolutely remains an excellent choice, especially if you find it refurbished. Powered by the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, it handles both modern Apple Intelligence features and daily tasks efficiently.
Benefits of Buying Refurbished
Unlike new phones, refurbished phones undergo comprehensive inspections and repairs. This can also help catch any potential defects or issues that may slip through the manufacturer's quality control.
Refurbished phones are also typically only 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.
Refurbished phones are often updated to the latest version of the operating system before being sold. This helps ensure buyers start with the latest available fixes and security updates, as users will be accessing the newest OS update from day one.
When it comes to durability, phones also receive better third-party support for protective accessories after the device has been widely available to the public. So, someone purchasing a refurbished phone a few months later will have a larger selection of cases and screen protectors optimised for the device than someone buying a new one on launch day.
Along with refurbished phones avoiding new-phone issues through quality control and updates, there are a few other benefits to 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 that reduces electronic waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes 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 be out of budget. This makes it a great choice if you want to experience high-end features without the high-end cost.
Buying a refurbished iPhone 16 from a trusted seller like OzMobiles means getting a fully tested, updated device at a more affordable price.
Buy Refurbished iPhone 16 Models at OzMobiles
Here at OzMobiles, we stock a wide selection of Apple products, including refurbished iPhones. Our range now also features the latest iPhone 16 series, including the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models.
All the refurbished iPhone 16 devices we sell come with a 12-month warranty and are sustainably sourced in Australia. You also get the OzMobiles battery life guarantee and a 30-day risk-free return period.
Every device in the OzMobiles range, including the iPhone 16 series, goes through an extensive refurbishment process. A qualified technician at our Melbourne headquarters checks the devices to ensure they are fully functional and running optimally. If any repairs are needed, only genuine manufacturer parts are used.
Explore fully tested, refurbished iPhone 16 models with a 12-month warranty at OzMobiles. If you have any questions regarding our iPhone 16 range or our refurbishment process, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.
