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Apple is preparing a software fix after some iPhone 18 Pro users reported unexpected restarts linked to Face ID.
Apple’s newly released iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are facing early complaints about Face ID failures, frozen screens, and unexpected device restarts. The reports began appearing shortly after the phones became available on September 18, 2026.
Apple has confirmed that a software update to address the rebooting issue is in development and should arrive early next week.
The most notable problem occurs when users attempt to unlock an app protected by Face ID.
Some users report that their iPhone freezes after an unsuccessful facial recognition attempt. The device then stops responding to touch input and automatically restarts after a few seconds.
The problem appears to affect certain Face ID authentication requests within apps rather than normal unlocking from the iPhone’s Lock Screen.
However, the problem does not affect every iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. The exact number of affected devices remains unknown.
Unexpected restarts are not the only complaints.
Some iPhone 18 Pro owners have reported additional Face ID issues, including:
- Face ID failing to recognize users when accessing protected apps.
- A “Face ID is Not Available” message appearing during initial setup.
- Inconsistent behavior with the “Require Attention for Face ID” setting.
These reports suggest that some owners are experiencing different problems with Apple’s facial recognition system. However, it remains unclear whether all the reported issues share the same underlying cause.
Could the Redesigned Face ID System Be Responsible?
Apple introduced a redesigned Face ID system with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
The infrared camera is now positioned beneath the display near the upper-left corner, allowing Apple to reduce the size of the visible Dynamic Island.
The new arrangement has raised questions about whether the hardware changes could be connected to the reported problems.
However, no confirmed evidence currently shows that the redesigned Face ID hardware is responsible for the crashes.
Both models launched with iOS 27, and Apple’s confirmation that a software fix is coming suggests the rebooting issue can be addressed without replacing the device.
Apple has confirmed that it is working on a software update to fix the Face ID-related rebooting issue.
The company expects the update to become available early next week, although it has not announced an exact release date. Meanwhile, Apple is already testing iOS 27.0.1
The update is expected to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements. It may also include the promised fix for the iPhone 18 Pro rebooting problem, although Apple has not confirmed the update’s version number.
What Should Affected Users Do?
Users experiencing Face ID problems should check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple’s general Face ID troubleshooting guidance also recommends checking that nothing is obstructing the TrueDepth camera, restarting the device, and resetting Face ID if recognition problems continue.
If the phone repeatedly freezes or restarts, users can contact Apple Support for assistance. However, users experiencing this specific Face ID-related rebooting bug may not need to replace their devices, since Apple has confirmed a software fix is on the way.
For now, affected iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max owners will need to wait for the upcoming update to see whether it resolves the crashes. It also remains to be seen whether the update will address the other Face ID problems reported since launch.
