Is iOS 26 update stable, or are there issues on iPhone 13?

Any given update may contain a few bugs. The vast majority of bugs associated with iOS 26.x.x have been resolved. Heating is normal after an update and is the result of behind the scenes extra work the device is doing, so to speak. Battery drain is also normal for a few days also. This is associated with the and other components working additional time indexing, syncing data, backup data and iCloud use.

Some issues are still being reported in iOS 26.3.1, the current release. Each new release brings additional new features, security updates and bug fixes.

What version of iOS are you currently using?

When you’re ready you can safely update. Make sure your device is backed up to could and then you’re ready to upgrade and start enjoying the benefits of and new features of iOS 26. If you prefer to wait, iOS 26.4 should be out later this month or early April. Good luck.

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

I have been updating my devices ever since I bought my first device in 2009. iPhone 3Gs, 4S, 5, 6, SE (1st Gen), 7, 8, and iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro iPad Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 17 MacBook Air 2019, MacBook Pro 16."

I never had any issues with any iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates to date.

I would personally recommend everyone update their devices instead of listening to rumors from people who may not have kept their devices free from any spurious software.

iOS / iPadOS devices cannot be hacked or infected with Virus / Malware / Spyware if it is updated to the latest iOS/iPadOS unless you have intentionally downloaded spurious software or unauthorized apps directly from the internet and installed them on your device or/and have Jailbroken. 

iOS updates generally aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. 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.

This seems purely coincidental, so please check the settings on your device.

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...

iPhone 13 was released in 2021 and fully discontinued by Apple in 2024. You suggest your phone has 100% battery health, which is pretty remarkable for a phone which at a minimum was discontinued about 2 years ago. Have you recently had the battery replaced in your phone?

harrish28 wrote:

Hi, thanks for your response. My iPhone 13 is actually a brand new device that I purchased recently, so the battery has not been replaced. That’s why the battery health is still at 100%.

OK. It's still unusual to find a brand new model, which was discontinued 2 years ago. If you open Settings > General > About > Model - does the model number begin with a number like 3 or 5 by any chance.

harrish28 wrote:

No, it does not start with a number like 3 or 5. The model number starts with M.

That's great!