Owners of the tech giant’s mobile devices face a chaotic scenario after installing the latest software package, which was only supposed to ensure interoperability with new tracking accessories. Relatos accumulated on specialized forums and social networks indicate that version 26.2.1 of the operating system introduced critical errors ranging from excessive power consumption to blocking biometric security features, transforming the user experience into a daily challenge.
The update, whose primary objective was to prepare the ecosystem for integration with the new AirTag 2, ended up triggering erratic behavior on smartphones. Logo After applying the firmware, consumers noticed that the Safari browser became unstable, closing tabs suddenly and losing browsing data, which disrupts workflows and leisure activities. The situation is made worse by the fact that downgrading to the previous stable version is no longer possible, leaving users stuck in this unstable digital environment until an official fix is released.

Severe impact on power autonomy and overheating
One of the most frustrating aspects reported involves the power management of devices, even affecting high-end models such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Usuários that previously had a battery for a full day of use now need to carry out multiple recharges, as the autonomy has been drastically reduced by half. The problem suggests that background processes are operating at maximum capacity unnecessarily, draining charge even when the phone is not in active use.
In addition to rapid consumption, there are constant warnings about devices overheating, which raises concerns about long-term chemical degradation of internal components. The processor appears to be trying to correct optimization errors introduced by the update, generating excessive heat and making handling uncomfortable, which could result in future financial losses for those who invested in high-cost hardware.
Storage errors and security flaws
The integrity of the file system was also compromised, with the emergence of a technical error that occupies around 30 GB of internal space categorized only as system data. Essa flaw prevents users from managing their own storage, making it impossible to clean files or install new applications, since this ghost space cannot be manually erased by conventional tools.
At the same time, biometric security suffered a significant setback with the malfunction of the Face ID, forcing a return to the use of manual passwords to unlock and access banking applications. The absence of this functionality not only reduces convenience, but exposes passwords entered in public places, creating a security hole that did not exist in the previous version of the software.
Instability in connections and waiting recommendation
The basic connectivity of the devices also presents serious fluctuations, affecting both Wi-Fi networks and mobile data, which interrupts video calls, downloads and streaming services. In an increasingly connected world, the inability to maintain a stable signal renders the device unusable for essential professional tasks, generating complaints about the reliability of the network infrastructure under the new version of the system.
Given the number of problems and the lack of an immediate solution from the company, experts and the technical community strongly recommend that users who have not yet updated their devices avoid version 26.2.1. The expectation is that a correction patch will be developed urgently to stop the flaws and restore normality, as the current experience is far below the premium standard expected by the brand’s consumers.