Apple’s iOS 18.1 Beta 5 has brought plenty of new features and enhancements, but like any beta version, it’s not without its issues. If you’re diving into the beta to explore the future of iOS, it’s important to be aware of the bugs and glitches that come with this developmental stage. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the most significant bugs in iOS 18.1 Beta 5, what users are reporting, and which areas you might want to be cautious about if you’re testing it on your primary device.
1. Battery Drain Issues
One of the most frequent complaints among iOS 18.1 Beta 5 users is the excessive battery drain. Many are noticing that their devices are running out of power faster than usual, even when not using power-hungry apps. This issue often pops up in early iOS beta versions as background processes aren't fully optimized, and power management tweaks are still being refined.
What You Can Do:
If you're experiencing rapid battery drain, try adjusting your background app refresh settings or use Low Power Mode more frequently. However, until Apple addresses this in future updates, the battery issue might persist.
2. App Crashes
Various apps, particularly third-party ones, seem to struggle with iOS 18.1 Beta 5. Some users report random crashes or freezing, especially with older apps that haven’t yet optimized for the new beta. Even built-in apps like Safari and Mail are experiencing occasional slowdowns and force closures.
What You Can Do:
If you encounter frequent crashes, restarting your phone might offer temporary relief. However, patience may be needed as third-party app developers release updates to resolve compatibility issues with iOS 18.1.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Instability
Connectivity problems have also been cropping up in Beta 5. Users are noticing spotty Wi-Fi connections, sudden disconnects, and unreliable Bluetooth pairing, especially when connected to accessories like AirPods. Some users even report the dreaded issue of Wi-Fi randomly turning off for no apparent reason, leaving them frustrated.
What You Can Do:
For now, resetting network settings or toggling Airplane Mode can help with temporary fixes. Apple usually fine-tunes connectivity bugs in future beta updates, so expect a smoother experience with future versions.
4. Lagging and Performance Glitches
iOS 18.1 Beta 5 has shown signs of lag, particularly when navigating the user interface. Animations are stuttering, and app switching isn’t as smooth as it should be. This is especially noticeable on older iPhone models, though even some newer devices are reporting minor slowdowns.
What You Can Do:
Restarting the device can occasionally help clear performance bugs, but don’t expect a flawless performance until the final release of iOS 18.1.
5. Face ID and Touch ID Issues
Some users have encountered problems with Face ID and Touch ID functionality, where the system struggles to recognize faces or fingerprints. This can result in delays when trying to unlock the phone or make secure payments via Apple Pay. The issue appears to be intermittent but frustrating for those affected.
What You Can Do:
If you’re experiencing issues with biometrics, you can try resetting Face ID or Touch ID data through your settings. In most cases, this is a temporary glitch that Apple will likely fix in the final release.
6. iMessage and Notifications Delay
Several users are reporting that iMessage is either delayed or doesn’t sync properly across devices. Some notifications also seem to be delayed, arriving long after the actual message or alert was sent. This can be particularly frustrating when relying on real-time communication.
What You Can Do:
Ensure that you have iCloud syncing enabled for Messages and Notifications. Resetting network settings might also help to restore proper synchronization.
7. Weather App Bugs
The Weather app has been acting up, with users reporting inaccurate weather data and delayed updates. For those who rely on the Weather app for daily planning, this can be an inconvenience.
What You Can Do:
A quick workaround is to use a third-party weather app until Apple resolves this bug in a future beta update.
8. Screen Flickering
A minor but noticeable bug in iOS 18.1 Beta 5 is screen flickering, which mainly occurs during app transitions or when adjusting screen brightness. This issue appears sporadically but can be disorienting for users who experience it.
What You Can Do:
Turning off "Auto-Brightness" in settings may help reduce the flickering issue. However, this might be something that will need an official fix from Apple.
9. Apple Music Playback Glitches
Music lovers might be disappointed to find that Apple Music isn’t running as smoothly as expected in Beta 5. Playback might randomly stop or skip, and some users report issues with syncing music libraries between devices.
What You Can Do:
As a temporary fix, try clearing the cache of the Music app or resetting network settings. You can also attempt signing out and back into your Apple ID for music syncing.
10. CarPlay Malfunctions
Some users are encountering glitches when connecting their iPhones to their vehicles through CarPlay. These issues include the CarPlay interface freezing, maps not loading properly, and audio streaming interruptions. This bug has proven to be quite annoying, especially for drivers who rely on CarPlay for navigation and entertainment.
What You Can Do:
A possible fix is to restart your iPhone or re-establish the CarPlay connection. In some cases, resetting your vehicle’s infotainment system may help, but a more reliable fix will likely come with future iOS updates.
11. Camera App Delays
The Camera app is experiencing lag when launching or switching between different modes like portrait, video, and slow-mo. This bug can cause frustration for those who frequently use their iPhones for photography or videography.
What You Can Do:
Clearing the Camera app’s cache or restarting the device may alleviate the delay temporarily, but Apple will need to release a patch for a long-term fix.
Conclusion
iOS 18.1 Beta 5 introduces exciting new features but isn’t without its fair share of bugs and issues. From battery drain to app crashes and connectivity problems, these are common in beta testing and should be expected by early adopters. If you rely on your iPhone for daily tasks, it might be worth holding off on this beta until Apple rolls out more stable versions. For those who love being on the cutting edge, reporting these bugs will help Apple deliver a polished iOS 18.1 for everyone!
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