SMS failing and Wi-Fi disconnecting randomly on my iPhone 16

What you're describing sounds like a combination of persistent WiFi connectivity issues and delayed or failed SMS delivery due to intermittent internet access. It should not be happening on a new iPhone 16. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely happening and what you can try before heading to the Genius Bar:

🚨 Key Problems You're Facing:

1. WiFi on iPhone disconnects or refuses to acknowledge internet access, even though all other devices are fine.
2. SMS and iMessages are not syncing or sending properly, seemingly tied to the connectivity issues.
3. You’re forced to manually reset or troubleshoot your connection daily, which is not acceptable for a new device.

✅ What This Could Be:

• iOS glitch: Sometimes updates create odd networking bugs that affect only some devices.
• WiFi Assist / Private Wi-Fi Address / Low Data Mode: These settings can interfere with WiFi handoff or internet access on iPhones.
• Corrupted network settings: Could be causing your phone to behave differently than your other devices.
• Carrier-related messaging delay: SMS doesn’t require WiFi, but if your iPhone is trying to send iMessages instead of SMS, and has no internet, the message may sit in limbo.

🔧 Fixes to Try Before Visiting the Genius Bar:

1. Reset Network Settings (doesn’t erase data, just saved WiFi/Bluetooth/VPN settings):

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
• This often clears corrupted network profiles that can cause WiFi weirdness.

2. Turn Off These Settings (temporarily for testing):

• Wi-Fi Assist: Settings > Cellular > Scroll down > Turn off Wi-Fi Assist
• Private Wi-Fi Address: Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap your network > Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address
• Low Data Mode: Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap your network > Make sure Low Data Mode is off

3. Carrier Settings Update:

• Go to Settings > General > About and wait—if a carrier update is available, you’ll be prompted to install it.

4. Force SMS instead of iMessage for Testing:

• Settings > Messages > Turn off iMessage (temporarily)
• Try sending a text while your internet is down—this ensures it goes as SMS and helps you isolate the problem.

5. Test in Safe Mode (to rule out apps/settings interfering):

• There’s no true Safe Mode on iPhone, but testing after a fresh reboot and minimal app use can help isolate third-party interference.

6. Try connecting to a different WiFi network:

• If the iPhone works fine elsewhere, it could be a conflict with your home network/router and this specific phone.

🤔 When to Go to the Genius Bar:

If you’ve done the above and it still disconnects daily, or the SMS/iMessage issue persists, then yes—you should visit the Genius Bar. Document the issue (screenshots, logs if possible) and show that other devices work fine on the same network. It may be a hardware issue with the WiFi antenna or a defective iOS install.