iOS 18.3 ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements

[Heymily]

App Store is unusable and iPhone no longer lets me update my apps
This was already happening on 18.2.1, I updated to 18.3 and after OTA installation behavior is the same

For the past few days iPhone has not allowed me to update any apps
If I press update on an individual app, or update all, it just sits there and spins indefinitely while my phone gets hot
The amount of apps I have awaiting to be updated is now over 230
Obviously a device restart has not resolved this
Guess I can never update any of my apps again

by the way, for a few versions now - even before iOS 18, i think - I no longer see the red notification indicator on the home screen when there are updates to install in the App Store (yes, i'm in do-not-disturb mode, but it always worked perfectly before because I always set the App Store as the exception in this mode, like other apps, but the App Store is the only app affected by this bug, and even if I deactivate the mode, the notification indicator still doesn't appear...)

 

[MrRom92]

by the way, for a few versions now - even before iOS 18, i think - I no longer see the red notification indicator on the home screen when there are updates to install in the App Store (yes, i'm in do-not-disturb mode, but it always worked perfectly before because I always set the App Store as the exception in this mode, like other apps, but the App Store is the only app affected by this bug, and even if I deactivate the mode, the notification indicator still doesn't appear...)

Yes it seems a lot of negative changes were made to the App Store in iOS 18, I noted previously that it had become extremely slow and buggy relative to prior versions. But at least it was somewhat functional! This can’t install or update anything. Big waste

 

[Reverend Benny]

App Store is unusable and iPhone no longer lets me update my apps
This was already happening on 18.2.1, I updated to 18.3 and after OTA installation behavior is the same

For the past few days iPhone has not allowed me to update any apps
If I press update on an individual app, or update all, it just sits there and spins indefinitely while my phone gets hot
The amount of apps I have awaiting to be updated is now over 230
Obviously a device restart has not resolved this
Guess I can never update any of my apps again

Sounds like you need to contact the Apple support.

 

[sbailey4]

App Store is unusable and iPhone no longer lets me update my apps
This was already happening on 18.2.1, I updated to 18.3 and after OTA installation behavior is the same

For the past few days iPhone has not allowed me to update any apps
If I press update on an individual app, or update all, it just sits there and spins indefinitely while my phone gets hot
The amount of apps I have awaiting to be updated is now over 230
Obviously a device restart has not resolved this
Guess I can never update any of my apps again

Are you running a VPN? if so cut it off and try. Also try a "reset all settings" option and see if it clears. This will leave your data intact but you will have to set up settings like you want as well as add wifi networks back but not really that bad. This not an issue with iOS per sae. Something with your device or configuration is causing this. Lastly maybe restore using the IPSW file and see if it clears.

[edit]
Maybe just a "reset network settings" will work as well. Perhaps try that before the all settings reset.

 

[MrRom92]

Sounds like you need to contact the Apple support.

What does Apple support ever do? Tell you to restart your device, or even worse, entirely restore your device. They are never equipped to address the actual issue.

Are you running a VPN? if so cut it off and try. Also try a "reset all settings" option and see if it clears. This will leave your data intact but you will have to set up settings like you want as well as add wifi networks back but not really that bad. This not an issue with iOS per sae. Something with your device or configuration is causing this. Lastly maybe restore using the IPSW file and see if it clears.

[edit]
Maybe just a "reset network settings" will work as well. Perhaps try that before the all settings reset.

Not on a VPN, and this issue seemed to be independent of network as it happened both on WiFi and 5G cellular. however I did try individually updating apps and if I do them one by one and wait a very long time for each, then it ends up updating. Something is still clearly wrong on the technical backend of this thing if the “update all” button only presses and then “un-presses” itself without actually doing anything. Which is how 230 apps became backlogged waiting for an update in the first place. This will take a while.

 

[Reverend Benny]

What does Apple support ever do? Tell you to restart your device, or even worse, entirely restore your device. They are never equipped to address the actual issue.

Not on a VPN, and this issue seemed to be independent of network as it happened both on WiFi and 5G cellular. however I did try individually updating apps and if I do them one by one and wait a very long time for each, then it ends up updating. Something is still clearly wrong on the technical backend of this thing if the “update all” button only presses and then “un-presses” itself without actually doing anything. Which is how 230 apps became backlogged waiting for an update in the first place. This will take a while.

Not sure how widespread this issue is but if it would be a "common" issue I guess we would have heard more about it.
Since its a bit of an edge case and might not be related to iOS 18 I would still suggest to contact Apple support or apple store. They can helt you troubleshoot and do a diagnose of the phone.

 

[dk001]

15 ProMax

I have a number of apps and sites like news aggregators or “X” that I use off and on. With this update I am getting “jumpy” pages or screen reloads whenever I interact like clicking on “Like” or similar actions. Below is a short video of it happening on X. Have not seen this issue in any of the 18.3 betas or on RC. A hard reboot did not fix the issue.

 

[2761216]

What does Apple support ever do? Tell you to restart your device, or even worse, entirely restore your device. They are never equipped to address the actual issue.

The online support has limited options unlike the Genius Bar or the tier 2 support. And most of the issues are usually resolved with either of those so it’ll always be their first suggestion.

Not on a VPN, and this issue seemed to be independent of network as it happened both on WiFi and 5G cellular. however I did try individually updating apps and if I do them one by one and wait a very long time for each, then it ends up updating. Something is still clearly wrong on the technical backend of this thing if the “update all” button only presses and then “un-presses” itself without actually doing anything. Which is how 230 apps became backlogged waiting for an update in the first place. This will take a while.

If you’re constantly having issues perhaps it’s time to go nuclear and start fresh. I went with a fresh install on my 13 Pro a few months ago and haven’t had any issues throughout the iOS 18 cycle.

You do have a couple options prior to restoring that might fix your App Store issue.
- Reset all settings only
- Sign out of Apple account, restart and then sign back in

If either of them don’t work then starting fresh might solve your issues as other than battery variances and some Mail issues reported, 18.3 has been pretty solid.

 

[Stiille]

seems like you have to much apps to update maybe that’s why it spins infinitely!?
Did you tried those tips or advises we all gave you?

 

[Aggie88]

I am seeing double message entries in the messages app from non apple devices in group conversations. Everything was good yesterday before the upgrade. This is also happening on my iPad with 18.3.

I received new messages in the same "conversations" and they came in good. Not sure what happened. The older entries still show twice. Must have been some type of glitch.

 

[chillip]

Still seeing occasional stutters through the UI. 16 Pro.

 

[MrRom92]

The online support has limited options unlike the Genius Bar or the tier 2 support. And most of the issues are usually resolved with either of those so it’ll always be their first suggestion.


If you’re constantly having issues perhaps it’s time to go nuclear and start fresh. I went with a fresh install on my 13 Pro a few months ago and haven’t had any issues throughout the iOS 18 cycle.

You do have a couple options prior to restoring that might fix your App Store issue.
- Reset all settings only
- Sign out of Apple account, restart and then sign back in

If either of them don’t work then starting fresh might solve your issues as other than battery variances and some Mail issues reported, 18.3 has been pretty solid.

I will sooner leap from the Brooklyn bridge than start fresh with iOS. I do appreciate the suggestions but it’s not my job to jump through hoops to make iOS work. It’s Apple’s job to make an operating system that works and doesn’t have wild new bugs introduced with every update. The quality of their software has taken a steep downturn in recent times and I am far from the only one to notice.

seems like you have to much apps to update maybe that’s why it spins infinitely!?
Did you tried those tips or advises we all gave you?

How do you think the number of apps to update inflated like that to begin with? Something is clearly wrong with this service where it refused to update anything for close to an entire week.

 

[mcvaughan]

I will sooner leap from the Brooklyn bridge than start fresh with iOS. I do appreciate the suggestions but it’s not my job to jump through hoops to make iOS work. It’s Apple’s job to make an operating system that works and doesn’t have wild new bugs introduced with every update. The quality of their software has taken a steep downturn in recent times and I am far from the only one to notice.



How do you think the number of apps to update inflated like that to begin with? Something is clearly wrong with this service where it refused to update anything for close to an entire week.

Software has gotten infinitely more complex and to expect a “bug free” device is a tall order. If you think Apple is the only one with this problem then I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

 

[Stiille]

@MrRom

I will sooner leap from the Brooklyn bridge than start fresh with iOS. I do appreciate the suggestions but it’s not my job to jump through hoops to make iOS work. It’s Apple’s job to make an operating system that works and doesn’t have wild new bugs introduced with every update. The quality of their software has taken a steep downturn in recent times and I am far from the only one to notice.



How do you think the number of apps to update inflated like that to begin with? Something is clearly wrong with this service where it refused to update anything for close to an entire week.

you seem to be the only one experiencing this kind of „bug“…

Maybe you try our tips and afterwards you tell us if it worked…

But please stop ranting this much…

Try the suggested methods to clear your problem, if it’s persistent get back to us or Apple.

 

[2761216]

I will sooner leap from the Brooklyn bridge than start fresh with iOS. I do appreciate the suggestions but it’s not my job to jump through hoops to make iOS work.

It’s your phone so I’d say it is your job to make it work when there’s a problem.
You can either wait and hope that a future iOS update might fix your issue all the while being frustrated. Or take time to try the simple solutions and be done with it.

I can guarantee you that Apple isn’t gonna personally send someone over to care for one device. Your time is much better spent giving the possible solutions a try than hours with the CS dept who can’t help you since it isn’t a documented bug and your particular config/device is the only one suffering from it.

Good luck👍

 

[StumpyBloke]

I will sooner leap from the Brooklyn bridge than start fresh with iOS. I do appreciate the suggestions but it’s not my job to jump through hoops to make iOS work. It’s Apple’s job to make an operating system that works and doesn’t have wild new bugs introduced with every update. The quality of their software has taken a steep downturn in recent times and I am far from the only one to notice.



How do you think the number of apps to update inflated like that to begin with? Something is clearly wrong with this service where it refused to update anything for close to an entire week.

So with that being said, what are you going to do?

You have two choices as I see it, live with your crap install as it is and stop moaning on here, or do what we all have to do at some point and do a fresh install to see if it fixes your problems?

I am certainly not arguing with you as to the quality of crApple’s software, *in my opinion* it’s hot-garbage and it is getting worse. But at some point you’ve got to take some responsibility and do the right thing. I genuinely hope you choose the latter and see if it helps.

 

[MrRom92]

As previously stated, I have already found a workaround. It’s unacceptable to me to take a scorched earth approach, and it hasn’t been necessary up to this point. It’s no longer an issue for me, I am simply reporting that this strange and sudden change in behavior exists when it shouldn’t. Maybe it does for you too, maybe/hopefully it doesn’t.

 

[COBRASVT]

Yes it seems a lot of negative changes were made to the App Store in iOS 18, I noted previously that it had become extremely slow and buggy relative to prior versions. But at least it was somewhat functional! This can’t install or update anything. Big waste

It's been going down hill for a few versions for me. Never updates that there are apps in need of updating. When I go directly to "Updates", I still have to pull down to refresh. Usually, I have to pull down twice before they actually appear. Since 18, if I try to update more than 5 at once (and even after updating 5), the app store crashes and I have to go back in again.

 

[dk001]

Had a nice little snow last night and found when taking some pics, items in the foreground look fake.
Takes a look at the branches in the upper right.

Same basic photos taken with my other devices (S24U and P9Pro) don’t show this. Seems to be new for 18.3.
Didn’t take any snow photos this year before now as this is our first snowfall of the season. Kinda late. 🧐

 

[Jakimo]

Sounds like you need to contact the Apple support.

Nah, just reinstall from scratch. No issues for me with the App Store nor any of my friends..

 

[ManuCH]

As previously stated, I have already found a workaround. It’s unacceptable to me to take a scorched earth approach, and it hasn’t been necessary up to this point. It’s no longer an issue for me, I am simply reporting that this strange and sudden change in behavior exists when it shouldn’t. Maybe it does for you too, maybe/hopefully it doesn’t.

Maybe try something simple like logging out from your App Store account, restart the phone, and log back in. That may clear sone App Store caches.

 

[Jakimo]

It's been going down hill for a few versions for me. Never updates that there are apps in need of updating. When I go directly to "Updates", I still have to pull down to refresh. Usually, I have to pull down twice before they actually appear. Since 18, if I try to update more than 5 at once (and even after updating 5), the app store crashes and I have to go back in again.

After going straight to Updates, I’ve found it behaves better if you wait a second for it to settle (you’ll see the bottom refresh), then pull for an app update check

 

[sbailey4]

As previously stated, I have already found a workaround. It’s unacceptable to me to take a scorched earth approach, and it hasn’t been necessary up to this point. It’s no longer an issue for me, I am simply reporting that this strange and sudden change in behavior exists when it shouldn’t. Maybe it does for you too, maybe/hopefully it doesn’t.

Last message regarding this. The reset all settings is not a "scorched earth approach". Its a relatively easy option and is there for reasons like this. IF you are not willing to help yourself then so be it. But your issue is NOT a bug in the current iOS it is a issue with YOUR device. If you cant be bothered to try and resolve your issue with some suggestions you have been given OR call Apple support then please quit bothering the users here with your issue. Again its NOT an iOS 18.3 bug and further discussion regarding it in this thread should stop. Perhaps making a separate new thread for your further complaints would be a better option.

 

[Morac]

I’ve had a bug on my iPad with the App Library showing badges for apps with badges disabled since iOS 18 came out. This didn’t appear to impact folders outside of the App Library, but today for the first time I got a phantom badge on a folder outside of the App Library which would not clear until I removed an app from the folder. When I put it back in the badge returned. It didn’t clear completely until I went into the app and went around to a bunch of different screens which cleared the notification.

Basically the bug wasn’t fixed in iOS 18.3 and seems worse now.

 

[dk001]

15 ProMax

I have a number of apps and sites like news aggregators or “X” that I use off and on. With this update I am getting “jumpy” pages or screen reloads whenever I interact like clicking on “Like” or similar actions. Below is a short video of it happening on X. Have not seen this issue in any of the 18.3 betas or on RC. A hard reboot did not fix the issue.

This same issue started showing up on my iPad Pro 11 M4 last night.

Come on .4 beta 🤞🏼