System Data issue iOS 26.2

My iPhone 15 Pro Max 256 GB running iOS 26.2 is eating up all my storage. It has consumed 130 GB of "System Data".


Every time I free up data from my apps, the System data consumes the free space.

I cannot remove or reduce the System Data size.


Apple Photos will also not "Optimise iPhone Storage" - it remains at 18GB


  • I have turned off Apple Intelligence.
  • I have set to standard Liquid Glass with no customisation.
  • I have deleted all custom login screens and now only have single basic solid black background with no added widgets. (REF: IOS 26 System Data bloat linked to Tinted… - Apple Community)
  • I have Apps Offloading enabled.
  • I have rebooted numerous times.
  • I have Photos "Optimise iPhone Storage" enabled


  • I have zero songs
  • I have 71,032 photos
  • I have 166 Apps
  • iOS Total size is 13.69GB


System Data is now increased to 131 GB whilst writing this message.


Yesterday


Today




Posted on Jan 18, 2026 1:36 AM

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System Data issue iOS 26.2

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