Screen issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max after iOS 26 update

Yeah man, I’ve had iPhones since the 3G, and I’ve gotta say that this update has put me off ever going forward with a new version right away. This has not exactly bricked my phone, but iOS 26 has definitely ruined it to the point of making it unusable. My cameras no longer work, my frame rate has dropped to about 10fps, and apps are constantly crashing - ones like “messages” and “settings”. This is absolutely the worst update they’ve had; not to mention my Apple TV and iPad are also now bugging out. On my phone, it now says that I don’t have Apple genuine parts installed, even though my phone has never been repaired and worked absolutely fine in iOS 18. I’m not the only person reporting errors with this update, and even after waiting for the 26.1 update my issues not only persist, but are noticeably worse. On the phone with Apple support and after escalation they let me know that it’s a problem they’re aware of with my model - 13 Pro Max - and that there’s nothing they can do but wait for another software update. So, now, I get to upgrade to a 17 Pro Max and hope for the best.

Update : I visited Apple Store(KP Pune) they told me apple will replace screen free of cost(13 pro max). if there is no water damage or phone open by unauthorised repairman only these conditions are there otherwise its 100% free of cost.

Mslostincyberspace wrote:

I am thoroughly frustrated with this new update. My lock screen is blurred and half white. This is unacceptable.

Are you referring to iOS 16.2 that has just been released? If that is the version you are on now, you have a new set of controls on your Lock Screen where you have a slider to adjust transparency, can set them to solid colors, and change the colors.

Robby2977 wrote:

By the way, this didn't fix screen issues with Sora.

The Sora problem you identified is a common one that has been reported and nothing to do with your OS version. It has been a problem due to Extensions installed on the browser, regional or content restrictions, account limitations and sometimes clearing the browser history will resolve the problem. Sora support is available here:

https://help.openai.com/en/collections/11106745-sora

For the problems you experience after the update, I would recommend a Force Restart here.

• Press and quickly release Volume up
• Press and quickly release Volume down
• Press and HOLD the side button until the Apple logo appears. This may take up to 15 seconds while holding the side button until you see the Apple logo and you have to ignore anything else on the screen during that time. If you do not see the Apple logo, try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence correct.

When you updated, I assume you let it continue until the Lock Screen showed on your screen. I have seen some reports of users who interrupted the update by restarting because they thought it was done or thought that it should be done. It can take 20 - 30 minutes for the update to complete where the device will restart several times.

Yes,

After like a week or so

When I was playing Mech Arena at the middle of the game the screen started flickering and half of the screen turned white for like a split second

it happened two or three times but when i stopped playing the game and rebooted my device

It stopped

I believe it is some kind of driver issue where the driver is not fully synced with the new ios 26 update

cause graphic intensive game caused the screen to flicker

I've just experienced the bottom of my screen is flickering intermittently (after updating to iOS 26) this is so insane and annoying, i guess if you don't want to experience such don't update in the mean time. I'm gonna contact support and see what can happen

Yes, I too have dealt with the white semitransparent film covering the search area while typing on safari sites after 26.1 update on my iPhone mini 13. I even had fb commenting issues where I could not see what I had already typed. I've tried all the recommended fixes but nothing helped. Yesterday morning Apple support had me reset all settings in my phone and that fixed it for several hours. I went through my settings and set them to my preferences and the white film came back again. Support called me after a chat and tried working on my settings. She could not find solution in changing some of my settings so then recommended I reset all my settings again. She suggested I limit the changes I make in my settings afterwards especially in the keyboard settings and accessories. I'm afraid to even enlarge text size. I'm pretty bummed over this.

My Iphone 13 screen turned red, green, black after update to IOS 26 , and now apple is saying its a screen issue and you need to change the screen. I spoke to the advisors on apple support and they say that 13 series phone does not have a software update issue whereas if we check the forum there are so many of them facing the screen issue .

Just updated to iOS 26.2 this morning because I began to have issues with Sora not allowing me to see the send arrow button on the screen when I tried to remix a video on the web version. On my iPad i have no issues. So when I updated, I noticed that iMessages was logged out, so when I went to settings, and then Apps and Messages, the screen when black. Couldn't see anything. Tried to restart, and the touchscreen didn't respond. Eventually it allowed a restart, and things were back to normal...till iMessages was not active. Went back, screen went black again.

By the way, this didn't fix screen issues with Sora.

Several years ago I had an issue with an iMac I was ready to trade in.

I took it to the Genius Bar and the moment they fixed it, they handed me a gift card for my trade.

My advice is to simply explain your situation and see what happens.

Be sure to respond back with your outcome. 😁

Good to go?

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Yesterday, I faced the same issue on my iPhone 13 Pro Max after updating it last week. I booked a Genius Bar appointment for today at 7 PM. I’m not sure yet if the replacement will be free or paid. Once I get clarification, I’ll update you today.

Thanks for the help on the Sora issue. I'll check that out for sure.

The update hadn't been interrupted. It went smoothly.

Just did a Force Restart and so far is working fine. Going to proceed with caution.

I appreciate your assistance!

Often after I’ve swiped up and unlocked the screen it won’t actually load my home page, I have to lock and do it again

I am getting screen juddering - especially when scrolling through photos