Just a week after the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 series, several users of the iPhone 16 Pro have started experiencing frustrating touchscreen issues. According to multiple reports, users are encountering intermittent glitches, where the touchscreen either becomes unresponsive or reacts with noticeable delay.
Intermittent Glitches Plague iPhone 16 Pro
The issue appears to be widespread among iPhone 16 Pro users, with complaints surfacing on various online forums, including Reddit. One user expressed frustration over the display becoming entirely unresponsive, except for the home bar, when they touched near the camera control button. Such reports are becoming more frequent, and many users are hoping for a swift resolution.
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For some, the touchscreen becomes unresponsive at random intervals, while others report significant delays in the device’s reaction to their touch inputs. Notably, the problem does not occur when the phone is locked, indicating that it is likely tied to the phone’s unlocked state and how the software handles touch inputs.
Software Bug: The Prime Suspect
While the glitch is concerning for users, experts believe the problem is not hardware-related. Instead, they attribute it to a software bug, likely linked to iOS 18. Specifically, it’s suspected that the issue stems from Apple’s “touch rejection algorithm,” a feature in iOS designed to prevent unintended screen inputs. In the iPhone 16 Pro, however, this algorithm seems to be overly sensitive, misinterpreting intentional touches as accidental, causing the screen to ignore commands.
The thinner bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, might also contribute to the issue. With less protective border around the screen, accidental touches near the edge may trigger the algorithm to reject subsequent touches.
Frustration Builds Among Users
Reddit and other platforms have become outlets for users to share their frustrations. One notable post described how touching near the camera control button caused the entire display to freeze, leaving only the home bar functional. Users are reporting that the issue is particularly problematic when swiping between apps or home screen pages.
A common complaint is that the glitch disrupts day-to-day tasks and diminishes the premium experience expected from a device with a starting price of $999.
Potential Fix in the Works?
Fortunately, since the issue is believed to be software-related, there’s hope that Apple will not need to recall devices. Many experts suggest that a software update could resolve the problem. This would not be the first time Apple has faced a glitch after the launch of a new iPhone. In 2010, Apple had to contend with the infamous “Antennagate” issue, where users experienced signal loss when holding the iPhone 4 in certain ways. Apple ultimately solved that issue with free bumper cases.
Currently, Apple has not issued an official statement on the touchscreen problems. However, many users are hopeful that the company will address the issue in an upcoming iOS update, potentially iOS 18.1, to improve the touch response and prevent further issues.
Temporary Solutions
While waiting for an official fix, some users have found that using a case helps minimize the touchscreen problem. Cases can reduce the likelihood of accidental touches by covering part of the screen edges, thereby preventing the hypersensitive touch rejection algorithm from being triggered.
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For now, iPhone 16 Pro owners are eagerly awaiting a software update from Apple that will restore the full functionality of their premium devices.