IPhone: GPS and Wallet issues after iOS 26

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Level 1

10 points

IPhone: GPS and Wallet issues after iOS 26

I have updated my phone to the latest version of IOS 26.2. The phone I have is an iPhone 13 mini. I have two problems that have arisen since the update and wonder if anyone else has similar problems and possibly has a solution to these problems.

Problem 1

GPS lags, it doesn't work with Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze. It also doesn't work in CarPlay. The GPS position is there but it doesn't update and it can take up to 30 minutes before it updates. Incredibly frustrating that with a new update, GPS stops working.

Problem 2

With the new update, I also can't add bank cards for payment in the wallet.

I have tested with 3 different cards from 2 different banks and contacted the banks who also can't see any problem and it has apparently worked before before IOS 26.

I have searched the internet for different solutions and tried changing all the settings that could affect these problems. have uninstalled apps and reinstalled. done a factory reset of the phone but no matter what I do, nothing works. the phone also cannot be restored to IOS 18 where this was not a problem.

I think it is incredibly bad of Apple that they cannot get these problems that have arisen with the update of ios 26. I thought it was only on the first update but considering that it is still on the update of 26.1 and 26.2 they do not seem to know any of these problems. Among the websites and threads I have visited on other forums, it seems that there are very many who have problems with this. so I want to shed some light on this and hope that a future update solves these problems.

iPhone 13 mini, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 2:17 AM

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Answer 1

HecVac Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 11, 2026 12:19 AM in response to LD150

thanks, now I don't have any VPN apps or settings on but others might have.

I might have a solution to the problem that can determine if it's the hardware or the software. I haven't tested it yet but in theory it should be correct.

1. make a backup of the phone.

2. do a factory reset / hard reset.

3. start the phone without logging in and then open the built-in maps app.

4. if the problem remains, it's the hardware.

5. if the problem does not remain, the problem is in the software. You can then conclude that there is probably a software bug in the recovery copy that doesn't work with the new update.

I haven't tested this and don't have the opportunity to do it today, but if any of you have the opportunity, you can try it. Just remember to make a recovery copy.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

103,970 points

Jan 10, 2026 4:51 AM in response to Blackeagledead

VPN can destroy not only gps mapping but may disqualify you from banking - they need to know where you live and VPN hides that.

Ensure you have uninstalled any such apps.

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Answer 3

Feb 3, 2026 5:38 PM in response to HecVac

Same issue. GPS worked fine, updated to IOS 26 on my iPhone 13 overnight and now the GPS lags so badly that it is useless for navigation and my Apple Pay does not work on my phone. Fortunately, Apple Pay still works on my Apple Watch. My son updated his iPhone 13 to IOS 26 and his Apple Pay no longer works. He doesn’t use the GPS for navigation so I haven’t had a chance to check that yet. It is definitely an issue with IOS 26.

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Answer 4

SravanKrA

Level 10

434,212 points

Dec 15, 2025 7:07 AM in response to HecVac

This may help you --. Adding Cards to Wallet - Apple Community

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Answer 5

Apr 8, 2026 3:50 AM in response to HecVac

I cannot understand why apple isn't able to fix the bug in navigation. Apple maps does not wake up to show the next way. It only works but partly when the Iphone is plugged to power supply.

This bug came in by IOS 18.4 and was fixed with 18.4.1. In 26 the bug was back.

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Answer 6

SravanKrA

Level 10

434,212 points

Dec 15, 2025 7:06 AM in response to HecVac

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 7

HecVac Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 15, 2025 11:14 PM in response to SravanKrA

thanks for your reply.

I understand that there can be other issues that can arise with a software update, but basically it seems like the problem lies in the IOS update as it has worked flawlessly before and with IOS 18. Unfortunately I can't say that I have updated to IOS 26 and now my phone's GPS and wallet have broken when apparently there are a lot of other people who have experienced the same problem with the new software update.

No, my phone is not Jailbroken. do people still do that?

Are there any specific settings in settings that you would recommend? I have googled all possible answers and possible solutions without results so if you know something that might help it is much appreciated.

I have made a backup before I updated to IOS 26 but since I can't go back to IOS 18 there is not much I can do with that backup. As I said earlier in the first post, I have factory reset the phone and then used the backup but the problem persists and the phone is stuck on IOS 26.

Thanks for your answers

Best regards

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Answer 8

HecVac Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 31, 2025 4:45 AM in response to shah86zam2

Do you still have problems with your GPS?

I can temporarily fix it by restarting the phone but the problem comes back after a little while.

Feels quite bad that the only solution to fix this is to buy a new phone, will probably go back to android. Just don't like huge bulky brick phones..

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Answer 9

dvpo

Level 1

4 points

Jan 12, 2026 7:52 AM in response to HecVac

I have the same issue with both Maps and Google Maps (have not tried Waze). The lag is annoying, I have missed turns because of it! It is dangerous! It makes you take your eyes off the road too long trying to figure out if you have to turn at a particular spot or not!

Mine is happening in CarPlay, but I have not determined if it happens just with the phone itself

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Answer 10

CSME68

Level 1

8 points

Feb 24, 2026 6:52 AM in response to HecVac

I have the same issue with Maps and Waze. I have an iPhone 16 Pro. I use Car Play and determined it is the phone. Anyone know if and when Apple is going to fix this buggy iOS? I had no issues until I upgraded. I use Maps and Waze all the time and not knowing if I’m going in the right direction or the direction changes over and over again is one dangerous and two very frustrating! I’m about to change to Android. Is this a sales gimmick to make you purchase a new iphone?!

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Answer 11

Dec 31, 2025 1:33 AM in response to HecVac

Had same gps issue after update.

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Answer 12

Jan 10, 2026 4:47 AM in response to HecVac

Same for me

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IPhone: GPS and Wallet issues after iOS 26

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