Several users of the new iPhone 16 Pro and older models are reporting intermittent issues with touch screens not registering taps, swipes, and gestures. While the problem seems sporadic, it often resolves itself after a few moments, only to reoccur later. The issue is primarily affecting the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max but has also been reported on older devices like the iPhone 14.
As noted by 9to5mac, the problem may stem from an over-sensitive touch rejection system in iOS 18. This system is designed to distinguish between accidental and intentional touches, but it appears to be malfunctioning for some users, preventing certain inputs from being recognized.
The issue also seems to extend beyond just iPhones, as some iPad users have reported similar touchscreen problems. Users on online forums, including Mastodon, have demonstrated that the issue can be triggered, adding to the suspicion that it's a software glitch rather than a hardware fault specific to the iPhone 16 Pro.
Some users have also noted problems with the Camera Control button, though it remains unclear if this is related to the same issue. Apple has yet to comment on the situation, but given the widespread nature of the reports, it’s likely that a software fix may be on the horizon.
This isn't the first time Apple has faced touchscreen sensitivity issues; a similar problem affected the iPhone 12 mini in 2020, which was later attributed to screen protectors and cases. However, the current reports seem more likely to be linked to iOS 18 rather than any physical interference.
Stay tuned for updates as Apple investigates these issues further.