A lot of issues with iOS 26.1

A) Try a "forced" restart of your device using these instructions: Put it on charge for at least half an hour, then, keeping it plugged in, use these gestures:

In rapid sequence, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side (power) button. Only when the Apple logo appears (it might take 10-20 seconds), release that button (ignore all other screens that might appear, the one with the "slider" to turn the device off included).

B) If the issue persists, something could have gone wrong during the latest update procedure.

I would try to install a fresh copy of iOS/iPadOS (the latest available/supported by your device model). To do this, create a full backup of your iPhone/iPad (1), then restore it to factory settings (you need a computer to perform this step) and, in the end, set it up as new (2).

When done, restore data from your previously made backup (3).

Follow the instructions provided in these support articles:

(1) How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – Apple Support

(2) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support

(3) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup

If the issue still persists, I suggest that you contact Apple Support directly, using this link:--> Contact Apple for support and service , or make an appointment (*) and have your device inspected at an Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) among this list:--> https://locate.apple.com/choose-country-region . After checking it out, they'll give you all the available options.

Regards

Giulio

(*) You can do it:

• Online:--> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple;
• Contacting a local Apple Store or AASP among the list provided above;
• Using the "Apple Store" app, available and downloadable from AppStore.

uninstall all security apps, particularly VPN and force restart it. https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/force-restart-iphone-iph8903c3ee6/ios

If you still have problems you may have to restore to factory and start again til you find the app or setting that is killing the phone. Obvs you need to have ALL your data in iCloud or similar to do that. Back up as a precaution.

Did you try the Force Restart? Make sure you have enough battery or better yet plug it in and perform these steps:

• 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 before you see the Apple logo and you will have to ignore anything else on the screen during that time. If you do not see the Apple logo, then try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.

Is this happening on Cellular too or just WiFi?

Are you using a VPN? Those have been problematic as far as network connections.

tbells27 wrote:

It has nothing to do with the forced restart but thanks for the copy and paste. If you are using a VPN, the phone will not allow you to connect. You need to disconnect it if you are using a VPN. That resolved my entire issue. Id suggest before updating removing your VPN entirely because it will try to connect automatically which will cause your phone to be unable to update the wifi settings.

Of course VPN's are problematic with network connections and that has also been posted here many time to make sure you remove them. Even Apple has a support article for this same reason.

If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support

Your issue for the App Store not connecting is a classic example. The issue the OP had is completely different and the suggestion to Force Restart the device had nothing to do with the App Store not connecting, so that response was not directed at you.

I just did a reset and restore from backup. The thing is Apple support said my Mac Book pro was to old and had to use a PC with iTunes, which worked. The strange thing is both processors are 7th generation i7.

Pamache wrote:

My old iPhone SE (2nd generation) which functioned seamlessly for nearly 5 years is not the same phone since installing the iOS 26.1. I was hesitant to do it, but bit the bullet a couple days ago; I wish i'd listened to my gut. My phone is now a glitchy piece of junk. I can't make any calls out and none come in, there's lag time for some functions and buttons are non-responsive. The whole reconfiguration of the layout is annoying and stress inducing especially w no ability to make calls. This morning I went to the big box electronic store where a tech ran a "diagnostic" check only to tell me he could find nothing related to the update install preventing calls. He suggested I see my phone service provider who switched out my old sim card and for a few hours I could make phone calls. Later today... i'm back to no phone service. I've tried everything short of a factory reset for which I have no storage or Mac book for a backup.

I couldn't run an iphone without a Mac to be honest.

Uninstall VPN completely and forcecrestart the phone https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/force-restart-iphone-iph8903c3ee6/ios

Pay a couple of bucks a month for iCloud storage and do the reset.

Also enjoy the safety of a backup, phones do suddenly fail, esp ecially vintage ones, or get lost. How do you get your photos and docs back then?

rodger219 wrote:

I am totally disgusted with this iOS 26.1 definitely my battery power is drastically being used up.

iOS 26.1 is now old news with iOS 26.2 being released today. It may take some time for you to see it propagate to your device, but for most it is already available. Before all we had to rely on was from the beta testers noting the improvements in battery life, but now you can check yourself. Note that any app can still drain your battery and those will be identified in the Battery Settings for you to choose what you want to do with them.

Hello KeithC36 and Endafromirl,

It's not Apple's fault if some third-party apps don't work properly after an iOS update.

Apple notifies all app developers and car manufacturers (many months in advance, especially for major updates), indicating the tools they must use to update their apps and the devices that support them.

We can only suggest contacting the support teams for those apps and explaining the problem. They're the ones who have to take action.

Cya840 wrote:

This 26.1 update is killing my battery, easily go a full day with battery to spare yesterday, today after update and light phone use the battery is at 12% at 2pm , I know Apple has a long history of killing battery with updates but this is rediculious. Pick up your game Apple.

It makes no sense to post the screenshot today after the update because Apple has already said you should expect battery drain, lag, and heat for a short period of time after the update.

About Apple software updates - Apple Support

Give it 3-5 days then post the screenshot and don't forget to include the apps that are consuming the battery along with the green battery graph.

It is concerning that your cell signal is showing 1 bar as that means the maximum amount of energy is being used to connect to a tower that is farther away. The closer the tower the less power is required and the more bars you will see. None of that makes any different on the iOS version, or even the device though.

Me too!

I have a lot of Apps that either won’t open and just hang or behave weirdly under iOS 26.1.

Amongst these are the Nationwide banking app which just hangs, Idmobile app where the entry of Id and password causes it to loop and finally tumblr which just hangs.

Apple need to fix this version of iOS 26.1 as soon as possible. Everything seemed to be relatively ok under just iOS 26. But this is terrible.

vaughn34 wrote:

His screenshot also shows he’s using wifi, probably in the office or house I’m guessing, so wouldn’t the phone prioritise data etc via wifi and only commit to a cell tower when a call is required?

Your cell antenna is not shut off when connected to Wifi, it just means the data is being sent over WiFi. The power required to maintain the cell signal is still being used. You can turn on Airplane mode to shut off the cellular antenna and maintain the Wifi connection and that is a good troubleshooting step. It will affect your SMS messages and voice calls though.

If Face ID isn't working for you, there is most likely something wrong with your TrueDepth camera. First, look at these two articles for help. If that doesn't fix the issue, then make an appointment at the Genius Bar to have your camera issue diagnosed.

If an alert says Face ID has an issue on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support

If Face ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad Pro - Apple Support (AZ)

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar to have it diagnosed.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Contact the app developer, this has nothing to do with Apple

GeneralGrant72 wrote:

I do not like iOS 26.1 and believe Apple has really made a big mistake with this update

Tell Apple:

Product Feedback - Apple

KeithC36 wrote:

Me too!

I have a lot of Apps that either won’t open and just hang or behave weirdly under iOS 26.1.

Amongst these are the Nationwide banking app which just hangs, ...

..

Nationwide banking UK works fine for me on iphone SE iOS26.1

Are you running VPN?