iPhone 14 Problems, Bugs, and Software Update Tracker

Apple introduced the iPhone 14 lineup recently. The lineup includes the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. As with any new iPhone release, a few problems and bugs have been reported. We’ve compiled a list of these reports and any software updates that have been released to address them.

As expected, the iPhone 14 has battery life, connectivity, and display quality problems. There have also been reports of software issues, such as iMessage not working and the camera app crashing.

You’re not alone if you’ve had issues with your iPhone 14. In this article, we’ll track all of the major iPhone 14 problems, along with any possible solutions and bug fixes that might be available. We’ll also look at upcoming software updates that could address these issues. But before that, let’s look at what’s new in the iPhone 14 series.

What’s New in iPhone 14 Series?

The iPhone 14 series is set to include four new phones: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. These phones have an upgraded design, new cameras, upgraded display technology, and improved performance.

First, let’s discuss the vanilla iPhone 14 and the new iPhone 14 Plus. These models have the same notch as last year, the same design as last year, the same 60Hz OLED display as last year, and the A15 Bionic chip from last year. So what’s new? These have bigger camera sensors, Crash Detection, SOS via Satellite, 6GB RAM instead of 4GB, slightly better battery life, and a better front camera. The A16 Bionic is reserved for the Pro iPhones only.

The new “Plus” model packs the same features in a more significant 6.7-inch form factor. It resembles the screen size of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple claims it to have the best battery life on an iPhone.

Coming to the Pro iPhones, these were the stars of the show. The most noticeable change is Dynamic Island. It is a pill-shaped cut-out that houses the Face ID sensors and the front camera. It combines both hardware and software to deliver an interactive UI experience. The Pro iPhones also have a new display that can go as bright as up to 2000 nits. The new LTPO technology lets the display go down to a 1Hz refresh rate, enabling a low-powered, Always-On Display.

Another significant change is to the camera system. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have the largest camera sensor ever on an iPhone. It is a high-resolution 48MP primary lens that captures stunning photos and videos. The ultra-wide camera and the telephoto lens have also been upgraded to deliver a performance two to three times better. The front camera has also been improved, which now has auto-focus. Assisting the camera system is the advanced new ISP on the A16 Bionic. The higher memory bandwidth makes it more efficient and delivers better graphics performance. And lastly, the Pro iPhones also have Crash Detection and SOS via Satellite features.

Interestingly, Apple has decided not to include a SIM card slot for iPhone 14 models in the US. This may soon be implemented in other countries as well. Nonetheless, all the iPhone 14 models run on the latest iOS 16 software and will likely receive 5 to 6 years of software support.

iPhone 14 Software Updates

• iOS 16.2 (Released on December 13)
• iOS 16.1.2 (Released on November 30)
• iOS 16.1.1 (Released on November 9)
• iOS 16.1 (Released on October 24)
• iOS 16.0.3 (Released on October 10)
• iOS 16.0.2 (Released on September 23).
• iOS 16.0.1 (Released on September 15).
• iOS 16 (Out of the box).

The iPhone 14 lineup has received several updates so far. These are iOS 16.0.1, iOS 16.0.2, iOS 16.0.3, iOS 16.1, iOS 16.2 and more. All these updates brought a ton of bug fixes to fix some of the most common issues with the iPhone 14 models.

List of All iPhone 14 Problems (User Reported)

The iPhone 14 is Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone, but it’s not perfect. Like any other technology, it’s prone to occasional problems or bugs. Here, we’ll track all of the major issues reported so far, as well as any possible solutions and bug fixes that might be available.

Flashing Horizontal Lines

Some iPhone 14 Pro series users are facing flashing horizontal lines after restarting their devices. It looks like the issue isn’t exclusive to the latest version, iOS 16.2. Older iOS 16 version users have reported the problem as well. According to the support team, the issue is not related to hardware. It could be a software bug. Apple hasn’t officially acknowledged the problem yet.

SIM Not Supported (Acknowledged)

Another issue that has been popping up recently on many iPhone 14 devices is the “SIM not supported” issue. According to an internal memo at Apple, some iPhone 14 users are getting a message that says “SIM not supported,” and the device freezes thereafter.

Thankfully, Apple has acknowledged this issue and provided users with a solution. Apple advises users to wait for the message to disappear automatically. If that doesn’t work, you can visit your nearest Apple Store or an Apple-certified service center and resolve this issue. Lastly, you can also install any available updates that will hopefully resolve the issue.

Storage Full Issue (Unacknowledged)

The vanilla iPhone 14 among the iPhone 14 series is facing the storage filling up with their newly purchased device. The storage is filled up with only the System Data in a span of one or two days. However, some of the Pro variants of the series are not immune to the issue. According to several reports by users, they are also facing the same problem as on the iPhone 14.

To fix this issue, you can try to factory reset your iPhone 14. For this, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

Note: Factory resetting your iPhone will delete all its data. So, make sure you have a backup before proceeding.

Camera Auto Focus Problem (Unacknowledged)

Autofocus is not working with the iPhone 14 series, mainly on the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The camera is not able to capture close or regular distance objects. The Video section is also behaving the same, creating a humming sound when in performance.

While waiting for Apple to fix this issue, you can try the following workaround:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Camera.
3. Turn on the Macro Control toggle to see if the Macro mode is working or not.

You can also try restarting the camera app to fix this issue.

Connectivity Issues: Slow 5G, Call/Signal Drops

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max users are facing severe connectivity issues. Several Reddit users have confirmed it. They are facing slow 5G; signals or calls frequently drop on Verizon, even in the good 5G coverage area.

Bricking Issue When Transferring Data (Fixed)

The bricking issue happens when you try to transfer data either from iCloud or from your old iPhone to your new iPhone 14. The display goes blank and makes the screen unresponsive. Also, pressing the power button becomes useless. In this case, you can try force restarting your iPhone 14:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Then, press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Now press and hold the power button and release once you see the Apple logo.

While this issue can be fixed temporarily, Apple said they were working on a permanent fix and delivered the same with the iOS 16.0.2 update. The iOS 16.0.2 changelog reads, “This update provides bug fixes and important security updates for your iPhone, including Display may appear completely black during device setup.”

Camera Shake in Third-party Apps (Fixed)

The biggest issue in this list has to be this one. Several users have been reporting the camera shake issue when using the camera in third-party apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Whenever you try shooting video on one of these apps, the OIS on the primary camera goes haywire. The camera starts shaking vigorously, making serious loud noises.

This could damage your camera permanently. However, Apple says the camera shake issue does not require a repair. Still, it is very concerning for the consumers. Apple has recently rolled out the iOS 16.0.2 update to fix this issue. If you still haven’t received the update, AVOID using any third-party apps to take photos or videos until you update to iOS 16.0.2.

Copy & Paste Issue (Fixed)

Another issue that has constantly been annoying iPhone 14 users is the copy-and-paste issue. However, this issue is more of an iOS 16 issue. Essentially, you would get prompts asking if you want to paste whenever you try pasting anything into a third-party app. The prompt appears even if you have pasted something in the same app seconds ago.

Fortunately, Apple has acknowledged this issue and has released the iOS 16.0.2 update to fix the problem. For instance, this issue was resolved with the iOS 16.1 Developer Beta 2. This means that the fix is coming to the stable build very soon.

Slow Camera Issue (Unacknowledged)

Another issue on the iPhone 14 is the slow camera app issue that is being faced by quite a lot of iPhone 14 users. This glitch causes the camera app to be extremely slow, sometimes taking about 4-5 seconds to launch. This can be extremely frustrating if you want to take a photo or a video quickly. Currently, there is no fix for this issue. But Apple may soon fix this issue with a software update.

Poor Battery Life

Several users, including many reviewers, have faced the poor battery life issue, especially on the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. There could be two primary reasons behind this. First, the Always-On Display consumes more battery. Second, iOS 16 is still a pretty new software and has poor optimization, thus leading to degraded battery life. Plus, Apple has released a support document saying that the Haptic feedback feature on iOS 16 could lead to battery drain.

How to fix this? There is no permanent fix for this issue. However, you can try turning off the Always-On Display to reduce the battery strain. Plus, battery drain issues are common and get fixed within a few weeks.

Dynamic Island Blocking Content in Apps & Games (Unacknowledged)

Another major issue exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the poor optimization of Dynamic Island. Currently, the Dynamic Island expands and then contracts with a slight vibration if you touch it accidentally during a game. This does nothing as there is essentially nothing to do. So, if you want to tap something beneath or very close to the Island, you can’t.

Apple still has not acknowledged this issue, and we do not know when it will be fixed. Apple can turn off Dynamic Island when playing games to fix this issue. What do you think? Let us know.

Crash detection activating during roller coaster rides and calling 911 (Unacknowledged)

A recent report revealed that Apple’s new crash detection feature in the iPhone 14 is being triggered while taking a roller coaster ride and calling 911. The feature starts a 10-second countdown, which, when left unattended, informs 911 by sending them a text message and your location details. It also sends a text message and location details to all your emergency contacts.

Users have been reporting several such cases where the crash detection feature called 911 while taking a roller coaster ride for weeks. This is a concerning issue as nobody would want to call 911 when taking a roller coaster ride. Unfortunately, the issue remains unacknowledged.

Other Issues

Some users have reported issues with their device overheating with minimal usage, using AirDrop with contacts, and making or receiving a call when using CarPlay. The CarPlay issue seems to lower your voice to the person on the other side when initiating calls via CarPlay. These issues should also be fixed very soon via a software update.

Final Words

The iPhone 14 is a great phone, but like any new device, it’s not perfect. If you’re having any problems with your iPhone 14, check our list to see if there’s a fix available. We have provided the fixes to almost all issues unless they were unavailable. We will also keep updating the post as the fixes become available. Let us know if you face any other problems with your iPhone 14.