iPhone 18 Pro Problems: Face ID and Camera Bugs Explained
Updated: September 29, 2026
The iPhone 18 Pro has only been on the market for a short time, but early users have already reported a handful of software problems involving Face ID, unexpected restarts and the camera.
Apple has now released iOS 27.0.1, an update specifically designed to fix several of these issues on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. MacRumors
Quick Answer
The main iPhone 18 Pro problems reported so far include:
- Face ID failing in some apps
- “Face ID is Not Available” messages
- iPhone freezing or rebooting after failed authentication
- A color artifact appearing in some 2x photos
- Touchscreen problems when opening Control Center and Notification Center simultaneously
Apple says iOS 27.0.1 addresses these bugs. MacRumors
What is wrong with Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro?
Some iPhone 18 Pro owners reported that Face ID occasionally failed when trying to unlock protected apps.
In certain cases, the phone would stop responding after a failed authentication attempt and then restart.
Other users reported seeing a “Face ID is Not Available” message during setup or experiencing problems with the Require Attention for Face ID option. MacRumors
The problem attracted additional attention because the iPhone 18 Pro introduced a redesigned Face ID system.
Apple moved the infrared component used by Face ID beneath the display, helping reduce the visible size of the Dynamic Island. However, there is currently no evidence that the under-display design itself is responsible for the problem. 9to5Mac
Did Apple fix the Face ID problem?
Apple released iOS 27.0.1 on September 28, 2026.
According to Apple's release notes reported by MacRumors and 9to5Mac, the update fixes an issue that could cause the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max to restart unexpectedly when Face ID failed to authenticate. MacRumors
Users experiencing the problem should go to:
Settings → General → Software Update
and install the latest available version of iOS.
What is the iPhone 18 Pro camera bug?
The camera issue is more specific.
Apple says that a color artifact may appear in photos captured at 2x magnification under certain lighting conditions when using the main camera at ƒ/1.48.
The company says the issue affects a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max devices, and iOS 27.0.1 includes a fix. MacRumors
The iPhone 18 Pro uses a new 48MP Fusion main camera with a variable aperture ranging from ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0, which is one of the biggest camera changes from the previous generation. Apple
Is this a hardware problem?
At the moment, Apple is treating these reported issues as software-related.
That is important because some users initially considered replacing their phones after experiencing Face ID crashes. Apple subsequently confirmed that a software update was being prepared to address the behavior. 9to5Mac
If the issue continues after installing iOS 27.0.1, users should contact Apple Support rather than assuming the phone needs to be replaced.
Should you avoid the iPhone 18 Pro because of these bugs?
Early software issues are not unusual after a major iPhone and iOS launch.
In this case, Apple has already issued a software update addressing the main Face ID and camera bugs identified during the first weeks of availability.
The key question now is whether users continue reporting widespread problems after iOS 27.0.1.
FAQ
Why does my iPhone 18 Pro keep restarting when using Face ID?
Apple identified an issue in which failed Face ID authentication could trigger an unexpected restart. iOS 27.0.1 includes a fix. MacRumors
Does the iPhone 18 Pro have a camera problem?
A small number of devices could produce a color artifact in some 2x images under specific lighting conditions. Apple says the latest update addresses it. MacRumors
Is Face ID under the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro?
Part of the Face ID system, including the infrared camera, has moved beneath the display. 9to5Mac
Should I install iOS 27.0.1?
If you own an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, the update is particularly relevant because it includes fixes specifically for those models.