iPhones Are Heating Up, Freezing, and Lagging After iOS 18.5 Update

If your iPhone has been acting strange lately freezing, overheating, or just lagging you’re not alone. Ever since Apple rolled out the iOS 18.5 update, users across different iPhone models have started reporting some seriously frustrating bugs. Now, there’s growing buzz that Apple could be getting ready to release a quick-fix update: iOS 18.5.1.

After the iOS 18.5 update, many iPhones are getting hot, freezing, and slowing down.

Is iOS 18.5 Too Hot to Handle?

One of the most common complaints from iPhone users after installing iOS 18.5 is overheating. People are saying their phones are getting unusually hot even during basic tasks like browsing, texting, or watching videos. Some users mentioned it started happening right after the update and it's making everyday use uncomfortable.

Touchscreen Not Responding? You're Not Imagining It

A particularly annoying bug is affecting touchscreen responsiveness. On my own iPhone 15 Pro Max, I noticed that sometimes tapping on the “X” to close an app just doesn’t work. I thought it was just me but turns out, a lot of people are experiencing this.

“Sometimes my apps just don’t respond to touches. It happens randomly in any app,” said one user on YouTube.

It’s incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to multitask or quickly switch between apps and your phone suddenly freezes or ignores you.

Mixed Battery Life Results After the Update

Another area where people are split is battery performance. Some say iOS 18.5 actually improved battery life on their iPhones. Others report the exact opposite faster battery drain, even when the phone is idle. A few didn’t notice any change at all. It’s all over the place, but it seems clear the update has affected power management in some way.

Lagging, Glitches, and Vanishing Icons

And that’s not all. A few users say their phones feel slower after updating with laggy animations, unresponsive apps, and even icons disappearing randomly from the home screen. These may seem like small bugs on their own, but when combined with the touch issues and overheating, it all adds up to a frustrating experience overall.

Apple Could Release iOS 18.5.1 to Fix Everything

With the number of bugs piling up, it looks like Apple might release iOS 18.5.1 soon to clean up the mess. There’s no official confirmation yet, but based on Apple’s history, when major bugs hit the stable version of iOS, they usually roll out a quick patch update and this situation definitely qualifies.

If iOS 18.5.1 does arrive, it could include fixes for the unresponsive screen, overheating, battery bugs, and maybe even improve general performance. So if your phone’s acting up, don’t worry a fix might be just around the corner.

WWDC 2025 and iOS 19 Beta Are Coming. But Be Careful!

Apple is also gearing up for its big WWDC 2025 event on June 9, where it will unveil iOS 19. Right after the keynote, the first iOS 19 beta will go live. But keep in mind: beta versions are always buggy, especially the first release. They can crush your battery and slow down your phone — so don’t rush into it unless you know what you’re getting into.

I’ve tested early betas in the past, and they’re not for everyone. If your iPhone is already struggling with iOS 18.5 bugs, it’s probably better to wait until Apple stabilizes things with 18.5.1 before jumping into beta testing.

Final Thoughts - What Should You Do Now?

If your iPhone is running hot, freezing, or just acting strangely after iOS 18.5, you’re not alone. A lot of us are in the same boat, and it looks like Apple is working on a fix. For now:

Keep an eye out for iOS 18.5.1
Don’t rush into iOS 19 beta
Send feedback to Apple if you’re experiencing bugs
Be patient — help is likely on the way

Apple usually moves quickly when major bugs are involved, and based on the volume of user complaints, a patch seems inevitable.

iPhones Are Heating Up, Freezing, and Lagging After iOS 18.5 Update - Apple Might Drop iOS 18.5.1 Soon