How to Fix Common iOS 26 Bugs and Glitches

A Major Update That Brings New Quirks:

Every new iOS release brings exciting features, smarter integrations, and improved security. It also brings its fair share of bugs. iOS 26 is no different. While many users have praised the update for its performance improvements and new AI powered enhancements, others have encountered issues that range from mildly annoying to genuinely disruptive.

Our experts have spent time analyzing the most commonly reported problems with iOS 26 and testing the most effective solutions. The good news is that most of these glitches can be fixed without advanced technical knowledge. All it takes is a structured approach and a bit of patience.

Battery Draining Faster Than Expected:

One of the first complaints that surfaces after any major update is rapid battery drain. iOS 26 introduces new background AI services and indexing processes that can temporarily increase battery usage during the first few days. However, in some cases, the issue persists beyond the initial adjustment period.

Our team recommends starting with a thorough check of background activity. Open Settings, navigate to Battery, and review which apps are consuming the most power. If an app is using more energy than usual, consider restricting its background activity.

Another effective step is to turn off Background App Refresh temporarily. This reduces unnecessary processes and helps stabilize consumption. For users who recently upgraded, allowing the phone to complete indexing overnight while charging can also lead to noticeable improvements the following day.

Finally, make sure your apps are updated to their latest versions. Many battery issues arise when older apps interact with the new operating system in unexpected ways.

Wi Fi Connectivity Issues:

A number of users have reported inconsistent Wi Fi behavior after upgrading to iOS 26. The most common symptoms include frequent disconnections, low signal strength in places that previously had stable connections, or an inability to join known networks.

Start by toggling Airplane Mode on and off to reset network connections. If the problem persists, go to Settings, select Wi Fi, and tap the information icon next to your network. Choose Forget This Network, then reconnect manually.

If this does not solve the issue, resetting network settings can often resolve persistent Wi Fi glitches. Go to Settings, then General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and select Reset Network Settings. This clears saved networks and refreshes all network configurations without erasing personal data.

Our experts also recommend restarting your router to rule out network side problems.

Bluetooth Pairing Problems:

Another common bug involves Bluetooth accessories refusing to connect or dropping connections unexpectedly. This is particularly noticeable with wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and car infotainment systems.

To fix this, open Bluetooth settings, forget the problematic device, and pair it again. If this does not work, toggle Bluetooth off, restart the iPhone, and then attempt pairing again.

In cases where multiple accessories are affected, resetting network settings may help because it also refreshes Bluetooth configurations.

App Crashes and Unresponsive Interfaces:

Some users have experienced apps freezing or closing unexpectedly after installing iOS 26. This typically happens when apps have not been fully optimized for the new version.

First, check the App Store for pending updates. Many developers release quick patches following major iOS updates to resolve compatibility issues.

If a specific app continues to crash, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This clears any residual data that might conflict with iOS 26. For system wide sluggishness, a simple restart can sometimes clear temporary cache and restore smooth performance.

Our team found that many of these glitches resolve within the first few weeks as developers catch up with Apple’s latest frameworks.

Touchscreen and Keyboard Lag:

Some users have reported slight delays in touch response and keyboard input. This can feel frustrating, especially when it interrupts typing or quick interactions.

A good starting point is to check whether Low Power Mode is enabled. This mode can sometimes slow down interface responsiveness. Turning it off may improve performance.

Another useful step is to clear Safari history and website data. Overloaded browser caches can sometimes cause system wide input lag. Navigate to Settings, Safari, and choose Clear History and Website Data.

If the lag persists, a forced restart may help. Press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Notifications Not Appearing Correctly:

Notification delivery is another area where bugs can show up after a major update. Some users report delayed notifications, missing alerts, or duplicated messages.

Check Notification Summary settings to ensure important apps are not grouped in a summary that hides alerts. Go to Settings, Notifications, and review each app individually.

Make sure Focus modes are configured properly. An active Focus mode may silence alerts without users realizing it. Toggle Focus off temporarily to confirm whether it is interfering.

If the issue remains, signing out of iCloud and back in again has resolved notification sync issues for some users.

Overheating After the Update:

A noticeable number of users have reported their devices running hotter than usual after installing iOS 26. This often happens during the initial post update period when background processes are recalibrating.

If overheating persists, review background app activity and turn off unnecessary location services. Settings that constantly poll the network or GPS can contribute to heat buildup.

Our experts recommend avoiding heavy gaming or video rendering for a day or two after the update to give the system time to settle. If the device continues to overheat after this period, a full restart and background refresh restrictions usually help.

iCloud Sync Delays:

Some users have noticed delays in iCloud syncing for Photos, Notes, and Messages. In many cases, this is because Apple servers experience heavy loads in the days following a major release.

To address this, go to Settings, tap on your name, and sign out of iCloud. Restart your device and sign in again. This forces a resync and often resolves lingering issues.

You should also check iCloud status on Apple’s System Status page to rule out ongoing outages.

When to Consider a Clean Install:

While most bugs can be fixed through targeted troubleshooting, some stubborn issues may require more drastic measures. If your iPhone is still experiencing multiple glitches after trying all the fixes above, a clean install of iOS 26 may be the best option.

Back up your data to iCloud or your computer, then use iTunes or Finder to perform a full restore. This removes old system files that may be causing conflicts. Our experts recommend this step only as a last resort, but it can be surprisingly effective for persistent problems.

Our Final Take:

Major updates always come with a transition period where systems adjust and developers push out compatibility fixes. iOS 26 introduces significant behind the scenes changes that make this period slightly more noticeable than in some previous updates.

The good news is that most issues have clear solutions, and users can fix them without waiting for Apple’s next minor patch. By methodically working through battery settings, network configurations, app updates, and background activity, it is possible to restore stability quickly.

Our experts advise giving your device a few days to settle after applying these fixes. In most cases, the glitches fade as the system optimizes itself. For those rare situations where issues persist, a clean install provides a reliable fallback option.