01/17 Update below. This article was originally published on January 14
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models suffer from a bizarre issue that causes horizontal lines to flash across their screens. Apple has now confirmed the problem and revealed that it is working on a fix.
In an internal Apple memo seen by MacRumors, which I checked, the company admits that customers may “report that when they turn on or unlock their phone, they briefly see horizontal lines flashing across the screen.”
Problems for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro buyers continue to escalate…
Basically, Apple has ruled out a hardware defect that could have prompted a recall, saying in the memo that it “is aware of the issue and that a software update will be available shortly to resolve the issue.”
When is “soon”? The obvious answer would seem to be iOS 16.3, which is currently in beta testing, but that seems unlikely. This major update has just entered its second public beta, and Apple typically releases four to six betas plus a “Release Candidate” before launch. Therefore, I wouldn’t expect iOS 16.3 to arrive until late February.
More likely, is iOS 16.2.1. While iOS 16.2 was relatively stable, there are still bugs from the troubled launch of iOS 16, which Apple is addressing in a series of ‘minor’ releases. It’s rare for Apple to publicly beta test minor updates, so a dedicated patch might roll out as soon as the company is ready.
Update 01/16: In a new report, MacRumors says a “plethora of bugs” are being reported by iPhone owners running iOS 16, a number of which are specific to the iPhone 14 lineup. These include slow keyboard response, camera hangs, glitches user interface (some really weird) and more. The report links to numerous Reddit, forum and social media complaints.
MacRumors also highlights comments from a trio of influential tech YouTubers, whose tweets about iOS 16.2 — the latest version of iOS 16 — and iPhone 14 models have gained considerable momentum in the past 48 hours. “More and more people tell me all the problems with iOS 16.2,” tweeted Aaron Zollo of Zollotech. “Hopefully we get a major fix soon. Hearing this more every day.
A survey by Rjey Tech revealed that 44% of iPhone owners reported more app crashes since updating to iOS 16.2, while Tom ‘The Tech Chap’ Honeyands tweeted that “My iPhone 14 pro max is by far the buggiest iPhone I’ve used in a LONG TIME…Is it just me?? (iOS 16.2)” and received thousands upon hundreds of replies confirming his suspicions .
Apple has work to do, and with iOS 16.3 still a few weeks away from release, I would expect iOS 16.2.1 to release sooner rather than later.
01/17 Update: Sources have informed me that Apple is working to find a fix for the horizontal lines bug, which it aims to release in an iOS 16.2.1 update as soon as possible. The company is also looking to fix several other iOS 16.2 release issues as a priority, but any delays will see them pushed into iOS 16.3, which is already slated for launch next month.
iOS 16.3 is a major release, adding important new features. This includes the integration of nearby parking options into Apple Maps, usability improvements for Emergency SOS calls, support for third-party security keys instead of two-factor authentication, and new notifications. for HomePod transfers.
The last of these will likely arrive before Apple’s first new HomePod since 2020, which Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed yesterday, should “come soon enough”. Details remain unusually sparse for a seemingly imminent product, with rumors claiming it will replace the original HomePod, rather than be an update to the new HomePod Mini, but not much else is known. .
An iPhone 14 Pro affected by the new horizontal lines display bug
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max had a buggy start to life. For those who care, you can add this display issue to a list that includes iMessage and FaceTime activation issues, CarPlay, data migration and iCloud bugs, shaky camera lenses, random reboots, lock screen and dynamic island issues and excessive battery drain.
With exciting iPhone 15 leaks already emerging, anyone still sitting on the fence may prefer to push their upgrades a generation further. But for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max owners, you at least know that the latest in a long line of fixes isn’t far off.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
Learn more about Forbes
#Apple #confirms #problems #iPhone #Pro #iPhone #Pro #Max #buyers