Apple is preparing a software update to fix an iPhone 18 Pro reboot problem affecting some users.
The issue causes certain iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices to freeze and restart after a failed Face ID attempt. Apple has confirmed that a software fix is in development and should arrive early next week.
The problem does not affect every device. However, multiple owners have reported the same behavior, and 9to5Mac reproduced the issue on an iPhone 18 Pro.
Failed Face ID Attempts Can Trigger a Reboot
The problem appears to occur when users use Face ID to unlock a protected app.
For example, a user may try to open the Passwords app or a private Safari tab. If Face ID fails, the phone can display a prompt to try again. In some cases, tapping the retry option causes the device to stop responding.
After several seconds, the iPhone can trigger a system panic and restart.
Users can find evidence of the crash in the iPhone Analytics section of Settings. 9to5Mac reported seeing a panic log after reproducing the issue.
Apple Says Software Update Will Address the Bug
Early reports raised questions about whether the redesigned Face ID hardware caused the problem.
The iPhone 18 Pro models use a redesigned Face ID system with the infrared camera positioned beneath the display. That change allows Apple to make the Dynamic Island smaller.
However, Apple has now confirmed that a software update will address the reboot problem. That means affected owners should not need to replace their phones simply because of this specific bug.
Apple has not confirmed the exact version number for the fix. However, 9to5Mac reported that Apple is testing iOS 27.0.1, making it a likely candidate for the update.
Other Face ID Problems Reported
The reboot issue is not the only Face ID complaint from early iPhone 18 Pro owners.
Some users have reported a “Face ID is Not Available” message while setting up the feature. Others say the Require Attention for Face ID setting does not always work as expected.
The full scope of these problems remains unclear. Reports indicate that many iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max owners are not experiencing any Face ID problems.
Apple’s support guidance recommends checking for software updates and making sure nothing blocks the TrueDepth camera. On iPhone 18 Pro models, the TrueDepth camera sits toward the top-left area of the display.
How to Force Restart an iPhone 18 Pro
Until the update arrives, users whose phones become unresponsive can perform a force restart.
Apple recommends these steps:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Release the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
The process does not erase the phone’s data.
Update Should Arrive Soon
For now, Apple is treating the iPhone 18 Pro reboot problem as a software issue.
The company plans to release the fix early next week. Therefore, affected users should check Settings > General > Software Update when the new iOS version becomes available.
The upcoming patch should provide relief for users experiencing freezes and unexpected restarts after failed Face ID attempts. Meanwhile, Apple continues to investigate and address other early iOS 27 bugs through software updates.
