Disabling Spotlight Search

If you are making swipes and you are getting the search page, given your explanation, you may have a screen issue. I suggest you make an appointment at the Genius Bar of the nearest Apple Store to have the device examined.

I am not aware of a way to turn off Spotlight search completely. I can tell you though, that a horizontal swipe does not activate the search, so you must be moving your finger somewhat down, and it has to be from the middle to lower half of the screen.

Jailbreaking cannot be discussed here on the forum, and it is not a crime, but you are correct that it is a violation of your licensing agreement.

You can believe what you wish, but the regular Spotlight search will not show up unless you make a vertical swipe. There is no change or issue with the latest iOS update for that. I'm guessing, but you are referring to the actual search page, and not the search that appears at the top of the Today page, correct? The Today page will appear if you swipe all the way to the right. It is to the left of your main home page. It not only has a search ability, but also has widgets for News, and other things.

WDayneHS wrote:

Yeah, I can't drive over 60 miles just to have my phone looked at.

That is up to you. It seems you have a problem with the device, and a little bit of an attitude, and you swear that it is responding in a certain way. You have the choice to restore the device to factory to test it, and if it continues to respond in the manner you describe, then something is defective. If you wish to see about getting it taken care of by Apple, you would either need to make the appointment, or contact Apple Support for mail in service.