Apple is developing a software update to address a Face ID problem affecting some iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max owners. The bug can trigger unexpected restarts when facial recognition fails.
The company has confirmed that it is working on a fix. However, Apple has not announced an official release date for the update.
According to reports published on September 24, the company could release the software as early as the following week.
Face ID Failures Trigger Unexpected Restarts
Several users have reported sudden crashes while using their new iPhones. In some cases, the devices restart after Face ID fails to recognize their owners.
One Reddit user encountered the problem while opening the Wallet app. Meanwhile, two other users described similar crashes following unsuccessful facial recognition attempts.
The reports suggest that the issue involves kernel panics. These system-level errors can force an iPhone to restart without warning.
However, the available reports concern a relatively small number of users. There is no evidence that the problem affects every iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max.
Apple Confirms an Upcoming Software Fix
Apple has acknowledged the issue and plans to address it through an iOS 27 update.
Although the company appears to consider it a software problem, one affected customer reported a different experience. According to that user, Apple also identified their particular iPhone as faulty and offered a replacement.
Therefore, users who experience repeated crashes may wish to contact Apple Support while awaiting the update.
The company has not publicly explained the technical cause of the Face ID failures.
Other Apple Devices Face Early Software Issues
The Face ID problem follows reports of unexpected restarts on Apple’s latest smartwatches.
Apple recently addressed a similar issue affecting Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 through a software update.
Separately, some iPhone users have reported difficulties making calls on AT&T. However, the available report does not establish any connection between those complaints and the Face ID bug.
For now, affected iPhone owners must wait for Apple’s promised software fix. The upcoming update should provide greater clarity about the company’s response to the restart problem.
