I recently updated my older devices to the latest software and have been running into problems across both my Mac and iPhone. On the Mac, apps sometimes open unexpectedly—for example, clicking to launch a browser may open Notes instead. The computer also feels sluggish, the display flickers, and the brightness occasionally drops or jumps to maximum. Some keyboard keys have stopped working too, so I'm not sure whether that is a software issue or a hardware problem. The Mac is a 2025 model with an M4 processor.
My iPhone has its own problems: it repeatedly asks for my passcode, Face ID no longer works, and incoming calls can freeze the screen so I can't answer or decline them. Sometimes I can't start a new call either. Overall, both devices feel slow and unreliable after the updates. Has anyone else experienced this, and should I be looking at software bugs, hardware problems, or something else?
3 Answers
One important distinction: Macs run macOS, not iOS. If both devices are having trouble, they may be separate issues rather than one problem affecting the whole ecosystem. On the Mac, unexpected apps opening and several keys failing could point to a stuck key, keyboard fault, accidental shortcuts, or input-device problem. I’d test with another keyboard, disconnect peripherals, and try Safe Mode. For the iPhone, backing up first and then installing any available update—or resetting network and system settings—may help. If Face ID still fails or calls continue freezing, Apple diagnostics or service would be worthwhile.
Major operating-system releases are sometimes pushed on a fixed yearly schedule before every edge case has been worked out. Waiting for a later point release can be sensible if the new features aren’t essential. Before delaying updates, though, make sure you have current backups and check for known fixes. Also, the original description seems to mix up macOS and iOS, so it would help to list the exact versions installed on each device.
I’ve updated my devices without seeing these problems, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real. The combination of flickering, brightness changes, lag, and nonworking keys is more concerning than a normal minor software glitch. Check whether the Mac behaves normally in a new user account or Safe Mode, and run hardware diagnostics. If the display and keyboard still misbehave there, contact Apple while the machine is under warranty.
You’re right—I should have said macOS when describing the Mac. I was referring to the latest software on both devices, not claiming that the Mac runs iOS.